CHICAGO, March 15 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following was released
today by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA):
Law-abiding African Americans and Hispanics would take it on the chin
under a bill now moving through the Illinois General Assembly. Sponsored
by Rep. Harry Osterman (D-14), HB6123
<
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=6123&GAID=10&DocTypeID=HB&LegId=52103&SessionID=76&GA=96>would prohibit any person or entity from selling a firearm to a
so-called "street gang member." This prohibition applies even if the
individual has passed a Brady Law FBI background check. Making a
prohibited sale would result in Class 1 felony charges and possible jail
time for the seller. Although the ISRA supports genuine efforts to curb
criminal violence, the organization is strongly opposed to HB6123 as the
bill's provisions are arbitrary and pose an unreasonable intrusion on
the rights of law-abiding Illinois citizens.
"HB6123 promotes racial profiling at its worst," commented ISRA
Executive Director, Richard Pearson. "Popular culture has branded urban
minorities with the 'gangsta' stereotype that is pervasive well beyond
the confines of actual criminal enterprises. Today's fashion, music,
slang and lifestyle are all heavily influenced by the urban experience.
Given that the provisions of HB6123 establish no test for determining
'street gang' membership, and given the harsh penalties for violating
the proposed law, it is understandable that retailers would shy away
from selling firearms to persons whose speech, dress, mannerisms, or
taste in music reflect the urban lifestyle."
"Several Chicago nightclubs stirred considerable controversy recently
when they denied entry to young men wearing baggy pants and cornrows in
their hair," continued Pearson. "The nightclub owners justified these
actions by claiming that baggy pants and certain hair styles are
indicative of gang membership -- despite the fact that the young men had
done nothing improper. While the popular press bristled over the
nightclubs' actions, the press has ignored HB6123 although the bill
would bless, and even require firearm retailers to discriminate against
individuals based on their appearance. This sort of cultural profiling
is vile enough when persons are denied entry into a private club, but
denying one's constitutional rights based solely on their appearance
flies in the face of the principles under which our nation was founded.
Of course, if a gang member wished to purchase a firearm, all he would
have to do is don a Brooks Brothers' suit and speak the King's English
and he'd be good to go."
http://icarry.org/article504.html?PHPSESSID=965a01d25788407e152b063866359624