Proposal to allow ‘mentally defective’ veterans buy guns triggers debate

Kansas City Star

11/29/2009

Legislation allowing veterans classified as “mentally defective” to buy firearms is drawing sharp criticism from gun-control advocates, but proponents argue that it is not as risky as it may sound.

Eighteen senators — including Sens. Pat Roberts and Sam Brownback of Kansas — have endorsed the measure. It would require a legal authority to find a veteran is a danger to himself or others before his name is put in the national criminal background check system and he is prohibited from purchasing a gun.

“Our veterans took an oath to uphold the Constitution, and they deserve to enjoy the rights they fought so hard to protect,” said the bill’s author, Sen. Richard Burr, a North Carolina Republican.

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