The Gazette: Iowa Republican lawmakers advance bills loosening gun restrictions
Media Coverage

The Gazette: Iowa Republican lawmakers advance bills loosening gun restrictions

March 4, 2025

Connie Ryan, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa & Action Fund, opposed HSB 280, citing alcohol as a strong risk factor for gun violence.

“This bill would take Iowa backwards,” Ryan told lawmakers. “ … We often hear about mental illness, which is a really small contributor to interpersonal violence. Alcohol is a much bigger contributor.”

The bill would also remove provisions contained in state law that prohibit an individual from being able to receive a permit to carry weapons if probable cause exists to believe — based upon documented specific actions of the person, when at least one of the actions occurred within two years of applying for a permit to carry a firearm — that they’re a danger to themselves or others.

“Past behavior is a predictor of future behavior. Why would we remove language that helps to protect the public and the person themselves?” Ryan asked. “ … When someone has violently assaulted another person, it shows a propensity to commit violence. Allowing the person to then have a gun lacks any common sense or commitment to the public safety. Again, why would we move language that helps to protect the public?”

Read the full article here.

MSNBC (Op-Ed): This IRS move will pressure more preachers to praise Donald Trump
Media Coverage
July 9, 2025

MSNBC (Op-Ed): This IRS move will pressure more preachers to praise Donald Trump

Baptist News Global: Trump administration says it won’t enforce Johnson Amendment
Media Coverage
July 9, 2025

Baptist News Global: Trump administration says it won’t enforce Johnson Amendment

Baptist News Global: Fight against federal school vouchers isn’t dead yet
Media Coverage
July 3, 2025

Baptist News Global: Fight against federal school vouchers isn’t dead yet