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After the tragic shooting deaths of 18 people in Lewiston last October, Maine citizens are realizing that yes, such a tragedy can happen here. We need to stand up now, to affirm that life in Maine is precious. We can take necessary steps to make our state a safer place to live. We should not have to walk in fear in our communities, our schools, our religious institutions, or our own homes.
One step we can take to make Maine safer is to pass LD 2283, a gun safety bill that would allow family members to request a court order — an extreme risk protection order (ERPO) — if another family member is at risk to themselves or others. This court order will allow for the temporary removal of guns from the person in crisis.
Please ask your legislators to pass this protection measure. LD 2283 can save lives. We can do this!
Valerie Carter
Justice Now Committee
Unitarian Universalist Society of Bangor
Bangor