Gun Violence Coalition Praises Supreme Court Ruling
On behalf of Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence, we express our profound relief at the recent Supreme Court ruling in the case of United States v. Rahimi. This landmark decision reaffirms our nation’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, particularly those vulnerable to domestic violence.
The Supreme Court’s ruling underscores the importance of common-sense gun regulations and the critical role they play in protecting lives. By upholding restrictions on firearm possession for individuals with domestic violence restraining orders, the Court has rejected the extremist position of the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals that temporarily disarming individuals found by a court to pose a danger to their victims and their communities is unconstitutional.
“We hope this decision sprouts roots in other areas, and may lead to increased safety in communities across the country”
As a coalition of diverse faith communities, we believe in the inherent value of life and the moral imperative to protect our neighbors from harm. This decision aligns with our core values of compassion, justice, and peace. It strengthens our resolve to continue advocating for policies that prevent gun violence and support survivors of domestic abuse.
"This ruling is a powerful affirmation that the United States prioritizes the safety and well-being of victims and survivors of domestic violence over the desires of adjudicated abusers to possess guns," said Meredith Jacobs, CEO of Jewish Women International. "We must now focus on closing the boyfriend loophole to protect all survivors equally, and we must ensure that prohibited abusers relinquish their firearms."
"This decision is not only common sense–it is a step toward the legal and moral imperative to preserve life," shared Rabbi Jonah Dov Pesner, Director of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. "We are also cautiously assured by the Court clarifying its 2022 decision in Bruen, potentially clearing a path to safeguarding sensible laws that prioritize the safety of people and communities."
"Even as we welcome today's decision, there is still work to be done. Gun violence and domestic violence are lethally connected, and dangerous gaps persist in protections for survivors and future victims," said Rabbi Liz P.G. Hirsch, CEO of Women of Reform Judaism. "Despite progress made through the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed into law by President Biden in 2022, loopholes in federal law still allow some abusive partners to obtain firearms despite a history of domestic violence, threatening the safety of survivors and future victims. We must continue efforts to protect survivors in all dating relationships."
“The National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd rejoices in the overwhelming nonpartisan Supreme Court decision upholding the modest yet vital law protecting women and children from their abusers,” said Fran Eskin-Royer, Executive Director of the National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. “This decision rightly considers preeminent the lives and safety of domestic abuse victims. At NAC, we will continue our work to make this country safer, healthier, and happier – especially for women and children.”
“We applaud the Supreme Court decision in United States v. Rahimi” says Sr. Maria Orlandini Director of Advocacy for Franciscan Action Network. “We know this decision, small as it is, will help those who are in domestic violence situations. Caring for all life is our Franciscan call. We hope that those who struggle so much may have a little more peace of mind knowing that the abuser cannot possess a gun. We are especially grateful for the children caught in terrible situations. Work continues to make sure that federal laws are adequate to protect survivors and future victims.”
“As peacemakers, it seems we rarely see signs of peace rooted in justice,” Rev. Jason Smith of the Baptist Peace Fellowship commented. “We celebrate the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in U.S. v. Rahimi protecting abuse victims from the threat of gun violence. We hope this decision sprouts roots in other areas, and may lead to increased safety in communities across the country. As the U.S. Surgeon General declares gun violence a public health crisis, we have hope that decisions like this one will nurture a world with greater peace.”
“Today, we stand firm in our commitment to advocating for a safer, more just society” John Charles McAllister-Ashley, Program Coordinator for the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Justice Team commented. “As advocates for peace and justice, we are deeply committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence and ensuring their voices are heard. We continue to call upon our leaders to prioritize the safety and well-being of all citizens, ensuring that our laws reflect a profound respect for human life and dignity. We will continue to pray and work tirelessly for a future where peace and compassion triumph over violence and fear.”
“The Rahimi verdict underscores the urgent need for comprehensive gun control legislation to protect our communities from the devastating impact of gun violence,” said Angela Howard-McParland of Nuns Against Gun Violence. “By enacting and enforcing laws that restrict gun access for individuals with a history of domestic violence, we can significantly decrease the instances of fatal domestic abuse and provide a safer environment for survivors to seek help and rebuild their lives. Together, through prayer, action, and legislative change, we can create a society where every individual feels safe and valued.”
We commend the Supreme Court for this decision and call upon our legislators to build on this momentum by enacting further measures that will safeguard our communities. Together, we can work towards a future where all individuals can live free from the fear of gun violence.
Faiths United to Prevent Gun Violence will continue to promote peace and protect the vulnerable. We are encouraged by this ruling and remain hopeful for continued progress in the fight against gun violence.
