Election 2016: Three Gun Control Measures Pass

Horrifying incidents of mass shootings in the US, including the June 12 attack on a gay club in Orlando, FL that left 49 people dead led the American Medical Association’s House of Delegates to condemn gun violence as a public health problem.

The hope was that physicians would take a more activist role in gun control and help shift the national mood to one in which more laws restricting gun ownership might be passed.

In the Nov. 8 election four states’ ballot initiatives asked voters to approve tougher gun laws, and one was defeated.

Voters in California passed Proposition 63, calling for a prohibition of possessing large-capacity ammunition magazines and requiring certain individuals to pass a background check to buy ammunition.

The measure passed easily, with 64.2% of voters approving in and 37.38% opposed.

Nevada voters supported a measure requiring firearms transfers to go through a licensed gun dealer, though transfers between immediatel family members are exempted. It was a close vote, with 50.45% saying yes (558,586 votes) and 548,685 (49.55%) opposed.

Washington State voters approved a ballot measure that would allow judges to issue orders taking guns away from individuals deemed a threat to public safety. These seizures would be done on a temporary basis.

In Maine, voters turned down a proposal to require background checks before a gun sale or transfer between people who are not licensed firearms dealers. There would have several exceptions that would have included “emergency self-defense” transfers between family members, or exchanges while the parties involved were hunting or sport shooting. It was defeated by 51.78% to 48.22%.

Related Coverage:

How Two AMA Gay Activist MDs Swayed Delegates on Gun Violence

Drama at AMA: Anti-Gun Resolution Passes