Commentary: WASHINGTON, DC-- Americans for Responsible Solutions (ARS), the gun violence prevention organization founded by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and retired NASA astronaut Captain Mark Kelly, issued the below statement following Governor Susana Martinez’s veto of a bipartisan, commonsense bill (Senate Bill 259) that would have helped limit domestic abusers’ access to guns by establishing effective procedures and providing guidance and assurance to law enforcement, victims, and advocates.
Peter Ambler, Executive Director of Americans for Responsible Solutions:
“Governor Martinez just put the interests of the gun lobby before the safety of New Mexico's families by vetoing a bill that would have made it more difficult for dangerous domestic abusers to get their hands on a gun. The lifesaving legislation that she rejected was widely supported by gun owners, law enforcement officials, veterans, prosecutors, educators, ranchers, physicians, and domestic violence prevention advocates - and was passed by the New Mexico State Legislature after lawmakers from both sides of the aisle worked diligently to reach a bipartisan compromise. This fight is far from over. We look forward to the next governor of New Mexico signing this lifesaving legislation into law.”