Michigan Gun Safety Advocates Challenge Legal Protections for Gun Makers
In a passionate gathering at the Michigan state Capitol, gun safety activists urged lawmakers to reconsider the legal immunity currently enjoyed by firearm manufacturers. The rally’s focus was on holding gun makers accountable for their role in gun violence.
Rebekah Schuler, who survived the 2021 Oxford High School shooting, voiced strong criticism of the gun industry. She accused manufacturers of being “complicit” in escalating violence through their business practices. Schuler stated, “They are intentionally making their weapons more deadly, marketing their guns to kids, and doing business with gun sellers who knowingly skirt the law.” She further added, “It’s not just the gun. It’s not just the shooter. It is an entire gun industry that is making gun violence worse in America. And the sickest part of it all is they’re getting paid to do it.”
Efforts to remove legal protections for gun manufacturers have surfaced before. A previous legislative session included the idea in a draft of safe storage laws, but it was ultimately omitted from the final law. Additionally, standalone bills were introduced but didn’t advance to a vote.
With the Michigan House now under Republican control, the passage of such bills seems unlikely. State Representative Phil Green, a Republican from Millington and chair of the legislative Second Amendment Caucus, argued against holding businesses accountable for misuse of their products. “While we make excuses for people who commit heinous crimes and try to blame it on the manufacturer … let’s hold the people accountable that do the crimes, and let’s not muddy the waters by blaming anybody and everybody in shifting the blame,” Green commented.
Push to Ban Ghost Guns Gains Momentum
The rally also spotlighted the issue of ghost guns—firearms assembled at home from kits or 3D printed parts, lacking serial numbers and challenging to trace. State Senator Mallory McMorrow, a Democrat from Royal Oak, sponsored previous bills to ban these weapons and plans to reintroduce the policy. She emphasized the importance of building a strong coalition, noting unexpected support from law enforcement and conscientious gun store owners.
“We had support from some unexpected places. Law enforcement agencies were close, they were engaging as well as many of our gun store owners who take very seriously their responsibility to vet people, to run background checks, and they know that these illegal ghost guns make their job harder,” McMorrow explained.
However, skepticism remains among critics. “Bad people are going to do bad things regardless of the laws that you put in, and so let’s prosecute the crimes of using weapons,” said Representative Green.
Funding for Domestic Violence Programs Under Threat
In addition to gun control issues, the rally addressed concerns over funding for domestic violence shelters and programs. Advocates warned that without increased state support, these essential services could face cuts or closures. Federal funding, which helps sustain these programs, may be at risk of spending freezes or cuts.
Faith Brown, a violence survivor and advocate, stressed the need for $75 million in state funding to sustain these programs. “These new gun laws will not protect survivors if our domestic violence programs close their doors,” she stated.
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