March 22, 2001
(LANSING) – An anti-gun coalition believes the voters should decide whether Michigan needs more concealed weapons.
. The Michigan Partnership to Prevent Gun Violence plans to present petitions Friday for a referendum vote. If the measure goes on the ballot and passes, it would repeal a new law that puts limits on county gun boards’ ability to reject applications for concealed carry permits. State police estimate that the law, which is scheduled to take effect July 1, would double the number of permits in the state.
Defenders of the law say that having a legally armed citizenry decreases crime and may even cut the level of violence. Opponents say that allowing more people to carry guns will lead to more accidental shootings and to disputes that escalate into deadly violence.
Getting the repeal measure on the ballot is expected to involve a court fight.