Sen. Marsden calls for gun lobby to stop obstructing gun legislation

In a speech on the Virginia Senate floor Monday, Senator Dave Marsden called for the gun lobby to stop obstructing progress on gun legislation that would save lives.

“I believe the gun lobby’s obstruction of common sense legislation is getting people killed. It is time for the gun lobby to join us in helping pass common sense legislation that will save lives” said Senator Dave Marsden.

In an effort to kick start a conversation Senator Marsden hung a banner in front of his General Assembly office which shared that sentiment:

‘Welcome gun lobby day members.
I know you mean well. But, if it isn’t too much trouble, please stop trying to save our lives…
Too many people are getting killed in the effort.
Senator Dave Marsden’

Senator Marsden has over 45 years of experience in the Juvenile Justice field as a probation officer, detention center superintendent, Director of Virginia’s Juvenile Justice system, and technical assistance consultant for Department of Justice efforts to reduce youth violence. He served two full terms in the House of Delegates and has served in the Virginia Senate since winning a special election in 2010.

Senator Marsden went on to say: “I support the second amendment and am sworn to uphold it as it has been interpreted by the United States Supreme Court… But, this idea that any gun law violates the constitution is flat out wrong and dangerous.”

“It is time for the gun lobby to stop trying to scare their members and help us pass legislation that will actually save lives. Universal background checks save lives. Studies have shown this. Common sense tells us this is true. Keeping weapons out of the hands of those who have a protective order taken out against them saves lives. Studies have shown this. Common sense tells us this is true. Something like 80-90% of all Virginians and Americans agree on these issues. But, somehow the gun lobby stymies us time and time again and prevents us from passing legislation.”

Senator Marsden has introduced eight bills this legislative session that would help curb gun violence in the Commonwealth. (List attached)

“There is no law or series of laws that will save every life and stop every criminal. We can prevent some of these deaths… The time to act is now. Let’s work together and pass legislation that will actually make a difference and actually save lives and actually not interfere with anyone’s right to defend themselves” Senator Marsden challenged his colleagues and members of the gun lobby.