LF: Iowa approves bill to let children aged 14 and under have handguns

Title: Iowa approves bill to let children aged 14 and under have handguns
Source: Daily Mail Online
URL Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art ... r-create-militia-toddlers.html
Published: Feb 25, 2016
Author: Wills Robinson
Post Date: 2016-02-25 19:28:18 by cranky
Keywords: None
Views: 757
Comments: 5

Iowa politicians have passed a controversial bill that would allow children of all ages to use a handgun.

The measure passed by state's House of Representatives on Tuesday would allow children 14 or younger to handle a pistol, revolver or the ammunition under parental supervision.

It was voted through on a 62-36 majority and now heads to the Senate for approval.

Opponents have said the proposal is 'ridiculous' while one has claimed it could lead to a 'militia of toddlers'.

But the bill's supporters insist it is an issue of parental rights and, if passed, would eradicate an 'injustice in Iowa code'.

Iowa politicians have passed a controversial bill that would allow children of all ages to own a handgun. Natalie Gibson, 10, from Des Moines (pictured at a firing range) has been using guns since she was five years old

Current Iowa law means children can pick up shotguns and rifles, under parental supervision, however old they are.

However, if someone under the age of 14 is seen using a pistol, even if their mother and father are keeping an eye on them, it's a felony.

The bill's backer, Rep. Jake Highfill, told the Washington Post: 'Allowing people to learn at a young age the respect that a gun commands is one of the most important things you can do.'

He added that it gives power back to parents and is better than the alternative, which is turning 18 and having no experience with firearms.

However Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt (D) said: 'What this bill does, the bill before us, allows for 1-year-olds, 2-year-olds, 3-year-olds, 4-year-olds to operate handguns,' according to KCCI.

Rep. Kirsten Running-Marquardt (D), slammed the proposal, telling the state legislature: 'We do not need a militia of toddlers'. She also questioned whether there were any handguns in circulation that fit the hand of a one or two year old

'We do not need a militia of toddlers.' She also questioned whether there were any handguns in circulation that fit the hand of a one or two year old.

Natalie and Meredith Gibson told KCCI they have been shooting guns with their father since they were five.

The girls said they like shooting a pistol with their father, and it's only dangerous if it's handled wrong.

Nathan Gibson, who has been lobbying the legislature to change the gun law for years, says: 'It's about handgun safety. My daughter started learning at a young age how dangerous it can be.'

The measure passed by state's House of Representatives on Tuesday would allow children 14 or younger to possess a pistol, revolver or the ammunition under parental supervision. It was voted through on a 62-36 majority and now heads to the Senate for approval.

<br" alt="Natalie and Meredith Gibson told KCCI they have been shooting guns with their father, who has spent years pushing the legislation, since they were five." height="478" id="i-7b411435d39dfadb" src="http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2016/02/25/17/318E702F00000578-0-Natalie_and_Meredith_Gibson_told_KCCI_they_have_been_shooting_gu-m-26_1456421208758.jpg" width="634" /> Natalie and Meredith Gibson told KCCI they have been shooting guns with their father, who has spent years pushing the legislation, since they were five.

The important part is under parental supervision. I don't want five year olds running around alone with guns on their hip.

Gun grabber! Communist! The second amendment says "people". Isn't a 5-year- old a person?

I'm on to you. First you'll say a 5-year-old is too young Then a 6-year-old is too young. Then 8. 12. 20. 50.

Then we'll wake up one morning to find out no one can own guns. Well, I for one will not stand for that!