UT Groups Seek Background Checks On Private Sales at Gun Shows

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Groups Seek Background Checks On Private Sales at Gun Shows Sunday, November 18, 2001 Utah and national gun control groups are attempting to promote as anti-terrorism legislation a proposal requiring background checks on private sales at gun shows. Americans for Gun Safety has launched a national campaign asking 37 governors to close the so-called gun show loophole. The Washington, D.C.-based group joined with the Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah to urge support from Gov. Mike Leavitt. "Utah is one of 37 states where terrorists and criminals are able to buy guns at gun shows because there is no requirement for a background check," the groups said Friday in a news release. Federally licensed dealers are required to conduct background checks on customers that screen for criminal records. But private sellers are not subject to the law. The letter cited recent reports of gun purchases by suspected terrorist organization members. Gun Violence Prevention Center spokeswoman Maura Carabello urged support for draft legislation by Rep. Scott Daniels, D-Salt Lake City, to require background checks for all gun-show sales. The bill died earlier this year in the House Rules Committee without a floor vote. A spokeswoman for Leavitt said the governor had not seen the letter, and had no immediate response. But the head of Utah's Women Against Gun Control decried the attempt to paint the proposed gun show legislation as an anti-terrorism measure. "Shame on them for exploiting the most tragic event in American history, and using it for their political gain," said Janalee Tobias. "I am so tired of the irrational gun haters dividing our community and our nation," she said. "Do they think one more gun law will stop terrorists?" -- Dan Harrie http://www.sltrib.com/11182001/utah/149949.htm