Watch CBS News

Pro-Gun Control Ad Will Soon Air In Maryland

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- An ad praising Maryland's recently signed gun control measure will soon hit the airwaves.

Denise Koch has details on the new ad.

The ad is part of a campaign by gun control bill supporters, who want to tell Marylanders they believe the law will be effective in preventing gun violence.

Governor Martin O'Malley's signature on the Firearm Safety Act means it's scheduled to take effect on October 1---but it is signatures on a referendum petition that could stop the law for another 18 months when voters would decide whether to shoot down the law, which bans assault weapons purchases, puts a 10 round limit on magazines and requires handgun purchasers to go through fingerprinting, firearms training and pay licensing and renewal fees.

Petition supporters say momentum is on their side.

"My guess is we'll get well over a hundred thousand, at least," said Larry Helminiak. "People can't wait to sign it."

Now, supporters of the law are fighting back.

A new ad campaign is launching this week, supporting the law, claiming it reduces gun violence by getting weapons out of the hands of criminals.

The NRA is supporting a court challenge to overturn the law, rather than a petition referendum.

The ad is paid for by the Marylanders to Prevent Gun Violence Education Fund.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.