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.
BLOCK EXTREMIST & UNQUALIFIED JUDGES: No Zealots in Lifetime Positions
We’re tracking the most concerning nominees to lifetime judicial appointments, in partnership with other progressive groups. Because Mitch McConnell slashed the time frame for reviewing nominees, many highly objectionable have been rushed through to confirmation, and others now face IMMINENT votes.
QUICK ACTION: Call Collins and King and tell them to voice their opposition to these extremist nominees facing imminent confirmation votes.
ARM YOURSELF…WITH FACTS!
Another holiday weekend in America, another 12 mass shootings. Including the massacre in Texas, those three days of mass shootings left 15 dead and 63 injured. Those opposed to gun safety quickly turned to their tired excuses for the gun violence and weak arguments against common sense gun reform. We have what you need to debunk their spin. QUICK ACTION: Check out our list of the most powerful gun violence statistics and find rebuttals to common arguments against gun safety legislation.
read more
MAINE LEGISLATURE ROUNDUP: That’s a wrap!
The first regular session of the 129th Maine Legislature was gaveled to a close just before dawn on June 20. Find out where the bills we’ve tracked since January ended up in this final version of the Legislature Roundup.
read more
GUN REFORM: Maine’s New Gun Safety Bills Need Your Support
All 11 of the new gun safety bills we tracked this session were defeated in the Maine legislature this session. QUICK ACTION: Find out how your state legislators voted, and hold them accountable for their opposition and continued inaction.
read more
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!
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.
read more
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!
read more
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.
read more
#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.
read more
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.