Should abuse victims carry guns in gun-free zones?

02/26/2014

SAGINAW TOWNSHIP -- A Saginaw County lawmaker wants abuse victims to carry guns in gun free-zones but domestic violence workers say there may be other options.

Schools, churches and malls--they're called 'gun-free zones' but state representative Tim Kelly wants to change that for abuse victims.

“Over 85-percent of women are victims of domestic violence,” says Rep. Tim Kelly (R-Saginaw) “Over 75-percent of women are stalking victims,” he adds.

Saginaw was named “The Most Dangerous City for Women” by Forbes Magazine.

“(I) felt like this would be a good piece of legislation to take care of a vulnerable population,” says Kelly.

The victims would be trained and licensed to carry the firearm.

Not so fast says Valerie Hoffman of Saginaw's Underground Railroad.

“It appears to me that we're just giving up that protection---that responsibility for protection and just putting it on the victims to protect themselves,” says Hoffman.

She’s been counseling victims for 20 years. Hoffman says lawmakers should focus on protecting victims and cracking down on abusers.

“Why does she need to carry gun?” questions Hoffman. “Isn't it society's job to protect the victim?” she adds.

“I think this is common-sense, bi-partisan legislation that can help protect women,” says Kelly.

Currently, the only people who can carry guns in gun-free zones are law enforcement officials.    

Kelly’s bill now heads to the House Judicial Committee in Lansing.

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