March 11, 2018 — Washington, DC — Pride Fund to End Gun Violence, the nation's only LGBTQ political organization dedicated to gun violence prevention, issued the following statement on the emerging gun reform package from the Trump Administration. Pride Fund founder and executive director Jason Lindsay:
"The students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida have reignited the spark of gun reform efforts around the country. Their focus, drive, and determination has spurred the White House to offer a gun reform package, which, unfortunately, falls short of what's needed. Pride Fund stands with students, teachers and the National Education Association in opposition to arming educators as a solution to gun violence. We do applaud the efforts supported by the White House to strengthen the background check system," said Lindsay, who is an Iraq war veteran.
"However, we are disappointed that the administration backed off its commitment to raise the age to 21 to purchase a gun, and are disheartened that there's no ban on assault weapons and large capacity magazines. We appreciate the President's focus on school safety, but without these other elements, this package largely ignores the root problems. It leaves the country susceptible to continued gun violence, which takes the lives of 38,000 lives each year. We must do better," said Lindsay.
About the Pride Fund to End Gun Violence:
Pride Fund to End Gun Violence ( "Pride Fund" ) is the only national LGBTQ political organization focused solely on gun violence prevention. Pride Fund was founded by Jason Lindsay, a gay Iraq War veteran, in the days following the June 2016 mass shooting at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida. When it occurred, the Pulse nightclub shooting was the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. Pride Fund supports sensible gun policy reforms while championing LGBTQ safety and equality by advocating for legislation and supporting candidates at the state and federal levels.
To learn more, visit www.pridefund.org . Like us on Facebook and follow on Twitter @Pride_Fund