An increase in gun deaths and active shooter incidents has kept gun control a frequent and fierce topic of debate in American politics for years.
Let’s start with the laws. The Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects an individual’s right “to keep and bear arms.” The Supreme Court has ruled that this right:
- Is not limited to military service members and veterans
- Can be lawfully exercised for purposes like self-defense in the home
- Generally applies in public spaces
Other gun laws vary by state. These include restrictions on who is allowed to buy a gun (e.g., felons, people diagnosed with a mental illness), the process for purchasing a gun (e.g., background checks, waiting periods), and where guns are allowed (e.g., schools, bars).
Source: USAFacts & CDC
The gun death rate (which includes suicides, homicides, action by law enforcement, and accidents) is higher in the U.S. than in other developed nations but is far below the rates in several Latin American countries. By some measures, guns surpassed motor vehicles as the leading cause of death among children in the U.S.
So, what does each side say?
Both Sides
Republicans generally favor placing fewer restrictions on gun ownership. They view gun ownership as an important check on government overreach and a tool for self-defense, arguing that criminals are deterred when law-abiding citizens are also armed. Republicans generally criticize gun regulation––arguing that it will only harm law-abiding citizens because criminals will disregard the laws––and advocate for protecting vulnerable places like schools by increasing security, not regulating guns.
Democrats generally believe limiting gun access is the best way to reduce gun violence. They argue current regulation is insufficient because it was instituted before semi-automatic weapons were widely available and that gun ownership no longer deters government overreach because the military owns vastly more sophisticated weapons than private citizens. They generally support making it more difficult to purchase guns and easier to confiscate guns if there is cause for concern.
There is some common ground:
- 72% support requiring gun owners to lock up firearms when not in use
- 81% support prohibiting a person from having a gun while they’re under a restraining order
- 76% support allowing courts to temporarily remove guns from individuals whose relatives report a risk of harm
Terms to Know
- Automatic Weapons: Also called “machine guns,” these fire bullets continuously as long as the trigger is pulled. It is illegal to possess a newly manufactured machine gun, but there is a process to legally obtain an automatic firearm made prior to May 19, 1986.
- Semi-Automatic Weapons: These fire one bullet each time the trigger is pulled and then automatically load a new bullet. It is illegal to sell, manufacture, or transfer these weapons in 10 states.
- Assault Weapons: This is a common term with no clear, consistent definition, though it generally refers to semi-automatic weapons originally designed for military use.
- AR-15: The “ArmaLite Rifle-15” is a specific and popular semi-automatic rifle. Originally designed for military use in the 1950s, it can be used for hunting, target shooting, and competition.
- Bump Stocks: An accessory to semi-automatic weapons that use a gun’s natural recoil to bump the trigger against the shooter’s finger, allowing the weapon to fire more rapidly (400-800 rounds per minute, near the rate of an automatic weapon). The Supreme Court ruled in June 2024 that these do not qualify as machine guns and are legal after an attempt by the Trump Administration to ban them.
- Background Checks: Since 1994, federal law has required licensed firearm dealers to confirm the buyer is legally allowed to own a gun. This law does not apply to private gun sales or gun shows (an organized gathering of private gun sellers). Twenty-two states and D.C. require background checks for some or all private sales.
- Red Flag Laws: Also known as Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs), these laws allow law enforcement, family members, or medical professionals to petition courts to remove guns from those who pose a credible risk to themselves or others. These laws exist in some form in 21 states and D.C.
Candidate Stances
Vice President Harris supports universal background checks and a ban on assault weapons. She oversees the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention, which focuses on helping states pass and implement red flag laws and provides $750 million in funding (from the Justice Department) for crisis intervention programs.
Former President Trump has promised “no one will lay a finger on your firearms.” He vowed to reverse “every single Biden attack on gun owners and manufacturers” and to appoint federal judges who oppose new firearm limits. He supports “commonsense school safety measures” and says gun violence is a mental health, social, cultural, and spiritual problem—“not a gun problem.”
Eternal Perspectives
The gun control debate is largely fueled by fear for the safety of loved ones. When you engage with your neighbors, remember to listen for that fear and reflect hope because the gospel delivers courage better than any firearm, or firearm policy, could.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10 (CSB)
This is part of our Election Collection articles series, created to help Christians grow in understanding and compassion on key issues surrounding the 2024 presidential election.
Last Updated: August 20, 2024
