Charged debate on Oregon gun bills reflects national divide
By ANDREW SELSKY, Associated Press
Published: April 12, 2023, 6:44pm
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FILE - Firearms are displayed at a gun shop in Salem, Ore., on Feb. 19, 2021. In Oregon, a bill that would increase the purchasing age for AR-15s and similar types of guns to 21, impose penalties for possessing undetectable firearms and allow for more limited concealed-carry rights has spawned emotional debate among lawmakers, reflecting the national divide over gun rights. (AP Photo/Andrew Selsky, File)
SALEM, Ore. — An emotionally charged debate over Oregon’s gun-related legislation recently brought lawmakers on different sides of the issue near tears, reflecting a passionate divide over gun rights that is also playing out nationwide.
One of the most sweeping bills being proposed in the politically diverse state — the one that led to highly personal speeches from both Republican and Democratic lawmakers at a committee hearing last week — would increase the purchasing age to 21 for AR-15s and similar types of guns, impose penalties for possessing undetectable firearms and allow for more limited concealed-carry rights.
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