The Jewish Center for Justice calls upon the Senate to pass the Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, also called H.R. 8, which has passed in the House of Representatives.
The Jewish Center for Justice is mobilizing Jewish communities and gun-violence prevention groups as well as people of faith in support of Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, which would close loopholes in current background check laws. HR 8 would:
- Close the loophole in federal law which currently does not require unlicensed sellers online or at gun shows to conduct a background check prior to selling a firearm.
- Utilize the current background checks process in the United States to ensure individuals prohibited from gun possession are not able to obtain firearms through the current loophole.
- Make it illegal for any person who is not a licensed firearm importer, manufacturer or dealer to transfer a firearm to any other person who is not licensed without a background check. Individuals seeking to transfer a firearm under this section would be required to visit a licensed firearms dealer to run the necessary background check before the transfer is finalized.
While the Jewish Center for Justice respects the constitutional right to own firearms, we cannot deny the alarming and disturbing reality that the U.S. averages nearly one mass shooting per day, not to mention all other gun-related violence. In the book of Leviticus, we are commanded to never stand idly by while our neighbor’s blood is shed, a moral call that drives our support of common sense gun laws such as closing gun show loopholes and banning assault rifles. Together, we must act to curb the epidemic of gun violence that continues to plague America.
Background information on H.R. 8:
Take action by contacting your Senator to urge them to support this important piece of legislation. U.S. Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
Sample call script:
Hello my name is [YOUR NAME], and I am calling to urge Senator [NAME] to support The Bipartisan Background Checks Act of 2021, also called H.R. 8. As a member of the Jewish community, I believe that we must close the loophole in federal law which currently does not require unlicensed sellers online or at gun shows to conduct a background check prior to selling a gun. We must utilize the current background checks process in the United States to ensure individuals prohibited from gun possession are not able to obtain firearms through the current loophole. In the Jewish tradition, we are taught not to stand idle by the blood of our neighbor. For this reason, we must act expeditiously to solve gun violence problem in this country. Thank you for your time and consideration.