COLUMBUS, Ohio – As the nation observes the first-ever National Gun Violence Awareness Day, gun control advocates in Ohio are calling on lawmakers to resist moves to loosen the state’s gun laws.
Marked by more than 120 organizations and 50 mayors, Americans are urged to wear orange to honor those who are killed by gunfire.
Deaths by firearm (1,289) exceeded those from traffic accidents (1,144) in Ohio, according to the Violence Policy Center, which cited data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A study of trends indicates this may be due more to a dramatic decrease in traffic fatalities than a significant increase in gun-related deaths.
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Ohio lawmakers are considering bills that would loosen restrictions on carrying concealed weapons, but gun control advocates are arguing against the measures.
“We’re simply asking the legislature to do better for Ohio and focus on common-sense regulations like universal background checks and child access prevention that would increase public safety rather than putting us at further risk,” says Jennifer Thorne with the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence.
The observance stemmed from the shooting death of a Chicago teen whose friends wore orange to honor her life. Orange was selected because it is the color hunters wear so they can be more visible.