Emanuel moving ahead with new gun control ordinance
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By Mike Flannery, FOX 32 News Political Editor - bio
CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) -
Mayor Emanuel said Thursday he'll soon ask the City Council to enact a new gun law that would apply only in Chicago. He said the city can't wait for action in Springfield or Washington.
Emanuel said he was frustrated that the General Assembly adjourned its lame-duck session this week without even voting on Governor Quinn's gun proposals. They would ban so-called assault weapons, bullets bigger than .50 caliber and large capacity ammo magazines with more than 10 bullets.
"As you know, waiting is not a strong suit of mine," Emanuel said.
So, the mayor added, he'll soon propose new restrictions on firearms to replace city gun laws that federal judges have ruled were unconstitutional.
"It does not stand alone without Springfield taking action or Washington taking action," Emanuel said. "It is what we can do. And the details will be coming in the days ahead."
After last month's mass murder at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut, voter opinion surveys found a large majority in favor of imposing new restrictions on military-style firearms and ammunition. But there was no majority for such action in the Illinois General Assembly.
Opposition from the National Rifle Association and others was so fierce, supporters of gun control let several proposals without even calling a vote. The mayor predicted they would fare better in the City Council.
"I have all the confidence we will not only pass it, but I hope it's also a spur to action down in Springfield," the mayor said. "That they have to step up to the plate on the assault weapon ban, limiting our clips, as well as comprehensive background checks wherever the point of sale is made."
The mayor provided no details on his gun control proposals, but he said City Hall's top lawyers have assured him they would pass muster with the same federal judges who've recently tossed out one Chicago gun law after another.
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