Editor,

There is a lot of misinformation about state Initiatives 594 and 591, both of which will be on our 2014 ballot.

Purpose of I-594

The goal is to prevent criminals from purchasing guns. Nowhere in I-594 is there any language about the confiscation of guns. I-594 merely closes a loophole in the existing criminal background check system. Right now anyone who buys a gun from a licensed dealer in Washington has to go through a criminal background check. However, 40 percent of gun sales in the state are done between private (non-licensed) parties on the Internet, at gun shows and in parking lots. This is a huge loophole. Passage of I-594 would close this loophole by requiring everyone who buys a gun in Washington, from whatever source, to undergo a criminal background check. Who would fail a background check? The same people who fail now: criminals and people who have been adjudicated mentally ill, the very people who should not have a gun. If you have no criminal record you will pass the background check and can legally purchase a firearm.

This legislation will work

Sixteen states have passed identical or similar legilstation since the Dec. 14, 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre with these results: 49 percent few gun suicides, 39 percent fewer law enforcement officials shot to death by handguns and 38 percent fewer women shot by an intimate partner.

“Transfers” a red herring

Many transfers are specifically allowed under the initiative (contrary to the made in a Sept. 24 letter to the editor by Michael McInerney) such as: transfers between immediate family members; transfers or sale of antique firearms; transfer to a licensed gunsmith who receives firearms for repair or service; transfer from an instructor to a learner at an established shooting range and transfers to a family member for lawful hunting, sporting or education purposes.

Opportunity, challenge

If we want criminal background checks on all gun sales, and over 70 percent of us say we do including a majority of National Rifle Association members, then we need to vote “yes” on I-594 as well as vote “no” on I-591. This is the time to bring a practical solution to reducing gun violence in our state.

SUE TODD YATES

Clinton

Member of Grandmothers Against Gun Violence