House Bans Guns After Domestic Abuse Convictions

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By Becky Ogann

Story Created: Mar 10, 2010 at 6:09 PM CST

Story Updated: Mar 10, 2010 at 6:09 PM CST

DES MOINES (AP) - The House has overwhelmingly approved a measure that would ban people convicted of domestic abuse from possessing guns, sending the issue back to the Senate where a similar version has been approved.

Supporters of the measure say more than 200 people have been killed in Iowa by domestic violence since 1995. More than half of those deaths were gun-related.

Those opposed to the ban portrayed it as an attempt to limit gun rights. They proposed several amendments, including giving abuse victims self-defense training, but those efforts were rejected.

Advocacy groups against domestic abuse say few judges include a gun ban when they issue protective orders. Federal law already bans those convicted of abuse from being armed.

The House approved the measure Wednesday on a 73-25 vote.

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