House Passes Gun Bill: Firearms Law Aimed At Abusers

[SecularMotion]

HARTFORD — The House of Representatives passed a bill that seeks to sever the often deadly link between domestic violence and firearms. The law would require those subject to a temporary restraining order to give up their guns.

The 104 to 42 vote broke largely, although not exclusively, along party lines. It came after more than five hours of vigorous debate, capped by the emotional testimony of Rep. Robyn Porter of New Haven.

In a steady voice, Porter recounted her harrowing ordeal as an abuse survivor. Pregnant and scared, she struggled alone. "When you're going through domestic violence, you're living in silence, you're living in shame, you don't trust anybody," she told a rapt chamber.

Her abuser had a gun and Porter used to hide the bullets out of fear. "I felt like if he was going to use the gun, he would have to find the bullets," she said. "And I knew in my heart I didn't stand a chance against a loaded gun, so I made a plan of escape."

http://www.courant.com/politics/hc-gun-bills-0428-20160427-story.html