Gun Violence Prevention
Here are our Calls to Action, Guides, and Explainers on the prevention of gun violence. Interested in helping us track legislation and policy on this topic at the state or federal level? Find out how you can take action with us.
GUN REFORM: Maine’s New Gun Bills Need Your Support
Only five of the 11 new gun reform bills remain alive in the Maine legislature, covering Extreme Risk Protection Orders (“red flag”), background checks, safe storage, ghost guns, and waiting periods. Meanwhile, Republicans are pushing a deadly “Stand Your Ground” bill.
QUICK ACTION: Learn more about the bills, check their status, and make sure your legislators know how you want them to vote!
MAINE LEGISLATURE ROUNDUP: This week in Augusta
Here’s our Legislature Roundup for the week of May 20, where you’ll find details on public hearings and work sessions on bills on juvenile justice reform, extreme risk protection orders, tax credits for working families, and justice for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors on tribal lands. You’ll also find information on upcoming votes on bills to restore the social safety net for asylum seekers, remove outdated barriers to abortion services, and create a state Equal Rights Amendment. QUICK ACTION: Review this week’s public hearings, submit testimony on bills that matter to you, and tell your legislators how you’d like them to vote.
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SUPPORT ERPO BILL: Reduce Suicide & Domestic Violence Gun Deaths
Last year’s “ERPO” bill was vetoed by Gov. LePage, but a new bill, LD 1312, has just been introduced. Extreme Risk Protection Orders reduce gun-related suicides and domestic violence homicides by temporarily suspending access to firearms for people who are a danger to themselves or others.
QUICK ACTION: Submit testimony in support of the bill and contact your legislators and Gov. Mills!
ARM YOURSELF…WITH FACTS!
Need quick access to facts to fight back against gun nonsense? We’ve built you a war chest.
Check out our list of the most powerful gun violence statistics and find rebuttals to common arguments against gun reform. Take your weapons into battle and win!
PROTECT TITLE IX: Oppose Protection Rollbacks for Student Survivors
The Trump administration has issued new Title IX regulations that would make it harder for students who are sexually assaulted to report the assaults. More than 100,000 comments were submitted during the public comment period on the rule, with the vast majority in opposition. QUICK ACTION: Stay tuned for updates and ask Reps. Pingree and Golden to support 3 bills in the House that protect Title IX.
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Take Action: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Communities around Maine are holding events during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October to draw attention to intimate partner violence and rally support for prevention efforts. Take action and attend an event near you!
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BAN BUMP STOCKS: Submit a Public Comment by June 27
The ATF has proposed a rule that would ban bump stocks under the National Firearms Act, and the public comment period is open until June 27. Gun rights activists have already added tens of thousands of comments opposing the measure. QUICK ACTION: Submit your comment before the deadline, voicing your support for the rule change.
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#WearOrange: Attend Gun Violence Awareness Events June 1-2
The only way the issue of gun violence will be addressed is if people who care continue to demand action through election day and beyond. #WearOrange Weekend begins June 1st, with events all over Maine.
QUICK ACTION: Attend one near you, arm yourself with the sharpest facts, and support the gun violence prevention groups doing the heavy lifting!
END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Support Batterer Intervention Program and domestic violence laws
Two bills held over from the last session would help reduce domestic violence. Both are now before the Appropriations Committee and will either be funded and sent on to the Senate for a final vote, or allowed to die on the table. QUICK ACTION: Contact members of the Appropriations Committee and tell them to fund LD 525 and LD 524 and send them to the Senate for a final vote.
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#ENOUGH: Join Maine Protests Against Gun Violence
Thanks to student activists leading the way, momentum to fight for common sense gun reform shows no signs of slowing down. Next up: Town Hall For Our Lives on Saturday, April 7 in Brunswick and Bangor.
QUICK ACTION: Check out our complete list of Maine events and make plans to join one…or organize your own!
Suit Up Maine is a statewide, all-volunteer, progressive, grassroots group of more than 5,400 Mainers that seeks to create and foster a more informed and engaged electorate. We raise awareness of and advocate for policies and legislation that promote equity and equality in civil rights, social justice, health care, the environment, education, the economy, and other areas that affect the lives of all people. We are beholden to issues and action, not parties or politicians, and we aren’t engaged in fundraising. Suit Up Maine fosters collaboration among our state’s progressive groups and organizations to collectively connect, educate, and motivate Mainers to rise in non-violent resistance to a regressive agenda.