SALEM — Oregon has become the first state in the nation to pass gun legislation following the mass shooting at a high school in Parkland, Florida that killed seventeen people. House Bill 4145 blocks convicted domestic abusers from owning guns, closing the ‘Intimate Partner Loophole’ and taking an important step forward in saving lives from gun violence.
Oregonians like Madeleine Garcelon hope this legislation will save other families from the devastation she went through when her daughter, Nicolette, was killed by a 9m Glock Plus P by her ex-husband
“In an instant, our lives were shattered.” says Garcelon.
Garcelon says her daughter’s ex-husband, Ian Martin Elias, was abusive, made threats and had a stalking order.
Garcelon is now speaking out and sharing her story to show why sensible gun legislation is paramount, and why anyone with a history of domestic violence should not have guns.
In a domestic violence situation, the presence of a gun makes it 5 times more likely that a women will be killed.
Governor Kate Brown says in the last two years, Oregon has had 66 deaths due to domestic violence. More than half were gun-related.
“This is absolutely unacceptable,” Governor Brown said. “Signing HB 4145 marks an important milestone, but we know we have more to do. It’s long past time we hold the White House and Congress accountable. Now’s the time to enact real change and federal gun safety legislation.”
Oregon is leading the way in gun control since the Florida shooting and now other lawmakers across the country are following suit.
“This will be historic — given what just happened in Parkland, Florida –that a legislature was willing to take action. That a legislature and a state was willing to say ‘No more. Not on our watch.’ We’re going to end the senseless violence and this is one tool that we have to make that happen.”
Garcelon is proud that Oregon is turning to common sense gun solutions, and hopes signing this bill will save lives.
“I hope it’ll save at least one person, at least one family or one child from going through the grief,” she said. “It’s surreal and it’s forever — you don’t get over it.”
