The Virginian-Pilot
© October 21, 2009

Closing loophole has wide support

Gun groups like the National Rifle Association are right: No matter how many restrictions are imposed on firearms, many criminals will still be able to find a gun when they want one. But that doesn't mean our state should facilitate the process.

At the moment, the state government is complicit in a large number of no-questions-asked transactions at gun shows at civic centers and other public venues throughout Virginia.

By law, licensed dealers must run background checks on prospective buyers at gun shows to screen out felons and people with a documented history of mental illness.

But the shows are also open to private sellers, who aren't required by law to check the backgrounds of buyers. According to State Police estimates, 22 to 35 percent of the vendors fall into this category.

The mayors of 11 Virginia cities - including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Newport News - have called on the General Assembly to close this loophole in gun show regulations. So have 49 Virginia police chiefs and, collectively, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police.

But the lawmakers, under pressure from the NRA and others, have repeatedly brushed aside appeals for change.

Earlier this year, lawmakers rejected a compromise proposed by state Sen. Creigh Deeds, now the Democratic candidate for governor. Under an amendment submitted by Deeds, the state would require background checks for all sales at gun shows but exempt private sales to buyers who possess court-approved concealed weapons permits.

Deeds' support for closing the gun show loophole cost him the backing of the NRA, which has endorsed him previously. The group is supporting Republican gubernatorial Bob McDonnell, an opponent of closing the loophole.

Whether Deeds or McDonnell ends up in the governor's office, the General Assembly would be wise to address the issue. Virginians, it appears, are quite aware of the threat that the loophole poses to public safety.

A recent poll conducted by Christopher Newport University's Judy Ford Watson Center for Public Policy showed that nearly 81 percent favor changing the law to require background checks on all sales at gun shows. Less than 17 percent said to keep the loophole.

The current law caters to a small percentage of the population who put their own personal convenience ahead of the safety of the general population. It's time for the legislature to stop easing the way for criminals to acquire guns.