News Clip out of the QC Times about Il gun laws

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http://www.qctimes.com/news/local/government-and-politics/article_0018eeda-2667-11df-a072-001cc4c03286.html?oCampaign=hottopics

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Downstate lawmakers renew fight for concealed gun law
StoryDiscussionChris Essig | Posted: Tuesday, March 2, 2010 7:44 pm | (6) Comments

Font Size:Default font sizeLarger font sizeSPRINGFIELD - Downstate lawmakers Tuesday once again renewed their fight to allow Illinois residents to carry concealed weapons.

A proposal pushed by state Rep. John Bradley, D-Marion, was approved by the House Agriculture Committee on an 11-1 vote bolstered by support from downstate lawmakers. But Chicago-area lawmakers are likely to push back if it reaches the House floor, fearing the law would escalate violence.

The committee's endorsement of the proposal is at least the fifth in recent years. But the measure has gained little headway in the full House.

Proponents are hoping a landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Chicago's handgun ban could breathe new life into their push. The high court heard oral arguments on Tuesday in the case, and a decision is expected later this year.

"The landscape of gun rights in the state of Illinois could dramatically change in the very near future," Bradley said.

Two years ago, the court overturned a similar handgun ban in Washington, D.C.

Illinois and Wisconsin are the only states that bar residents from carrying concealed weapons after undergoing training. Under Bradley's proposal, the state police would be responsible for issuing permits.

Gun-rights activists argue that it's unfair that some citizens, including retired police officers, are allowed to carry concealed guns, while others aren't.

"All of our citizens should have the same equal protection," said Todd Vandermyde, lobbyist for the National Rifle Association.

They also say the proposal would allow citizens to better defend themselves against criminals.

But opponents disagree.

"We don't see how allowing handguns in public places in any way decreases the risk of gun death in communities," said Tom Mannard, executive director for the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence.

Some public places would be exempt from the law, including churches, schools, airports and stadiums. But opponents say the exemptions point to the law's shortcomings.

"I'm mystified by these exemptions," said state Rep. Julie Hamos, D-Evanston, the lone no vote on the committee. "They are in fact a major concession by the proponents that people who carry concealed guns are inherently unsafe."

Bradley rebutted the argument, saying it was backwards logic.

"You're saying because you have a very limited exception, therefore guns are inherently dangerous," he said. "That is a synapse which I don't think ... the majority of Illinoisans agree with you on."

A Senate committee earlier in the day stalled an effort to allow Peoria residents to carry concealed weapons. The legislation is Senate Bill 3292.

Bradley's legislation is House Bill 6249.

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"I'm mystified by these exemptions," said state Rep. Julie Hamos, D-Evanston, the lone no vote on the committee. "They are in fact a major concession by the proponents that people who carry concealed guns are inherently unsafe."

What that statement actually means in "Liberal speak".
"I'm actually to stupid to recognize a bone thrown to me. "