CAMP Rehoboth and Equality Delaware Vote to Support Gun Violence Prevention
On June 20, 2016, the Boards of Directors of CAMP Rehoboth, Inc. and Equality Delaware, Inc. voted independently in separate meetings to officially engage in lobbying and educational activities relating to gun violence prevention.
In the wake of the mass shooting in Orlando, where the LGBTQ community was deliberately targeted, Equality Delaware and CAMP Rehoboth recognize that the safety of our community requires the adoption of common sense gun laws, including controlling the sale of semi-automatic weapons and large capacity magazines, expanding background checks, limiting the availability of guns to those with a history of domestic abuse, and other sensible restrictions designed to reduce the epidemic of gun violence in America.
“LGBTQ people are more likely than any other group in America to be the victims of hate crimes. When someone with hate in their heart also has access to a semi-automatic weapon, horrifying violence can result,” said Lisa Goodman, President of Equality Delaware, Inc. “Equality Delaware’s mission is to ensure equality, dignity and safety for our LGBTQ community. It has become ever clearer that reasonable gun violence prevention laws are necessary to protect our community, as well as the American people generally. We intend to bring all that we have learned in the fight for equality and dignity to this fight for safety.”
Steve Elkins, Executive Director of CAMP Rehoboth, said, “The attack at Pulse nightclub was an attack on a safe haven for LGBTQ people. Working to prevent gun violence is consistent with CAMP Rehoboth's long-time commitment to creating a more safe and positive environment. Common sense gun safety laws are a critical part of this effort, and CAMP Rehoboth intends to actively work to help educate and lobby for legislative reforms to prevent additional gun violence.
Contact Lisa Goodman at 302-743-7777 and Steve Elkins at 302-227-5620.