Gabrielle Giffords: Gun violence a 'women's issue'

Former Democratic Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords delivered brief remarks on guns and domestic violence before the Delaware Senate on Thursday, saying that "dangerous people with guns are a threat to women."

"Criminals with guns, abusers with guns, stalkers with guns. That makes gun violence a women's issue for our mothers, for our families, for me and you," said Giffords, who also spoke to Republican and Democratic lawmakers privately.

"Women can lead the way," Giffords said.

Giffords has called for stricter gun laws in states and federally since she was shot in the head in January 2011 during an event in Tuscon, Arizona.

Giffords also attended a press conference on behalf of legislation that would strengthen rules for turning over firearms after the issuance of a Family Court protection-from-abuse order.

The legislation is sponsored by Delaware Sen. Margaret Rose Henry, a Wilmington Democrat, who says it would protect victims of domestic abuse.

The National Rifle Association, the pro-gun rights lobby, opposes the legislation, saying that it would infringe on the rights of Delawareans who are the subject of emergency protective orders.

Senate Majority Leader David McBride, a Democrat, on Thursday called Giffords an "extraordinary beacon of courage in the face of unspeakable tragedy."

Henry's legislation would require that protective orders state clearly that firearms must be immediately relinquished and that it's illegal under Delaware law for those subject to a protective order to purchase or possess firearms.

The legislation also expands the definition of domestic violence crimes to include people who are seriously dating or living together.

"We stand for common sense," Giffords said in brief remarks before the Delaware Senate. "We stand for responsibility. We can change our laws. We can win elections. Please join your voice with mine."

Most Delawareans subject to protective orders issued by Family Court are already barred from owning or purchasing firearms. There is an exception in current law in the case of orders issued by a judge without allowing the accused to respond.

Henry's legislation would change that, removing gun ownership rights from those subject to those ex parte orders. They would have 24 hours to relinquish firearms.

Supporters say the change would protect domestic violence victims.

"In Delaware and around the country, domestic violence and access to guns can be a lethal combination," said Liane Sorenson, a former Republican state senator and now chair of the Delaware Coalition Against Gun Violence.

Attorney General Matt Denn, who supports the legislation, said the 24-hour provision protects the due process rights of Delawareans facing protective orders.

But NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker called the measure "deeply flawed legislation that eliminates people's fundamental constitutional rights without providing meaningful measures to prevent domestic violence."

Contact Jonathan Starkey at (302) 983-6756, on Twitter @jwstarkey or at jstarkey@delawareonline.com.