Amnesty International USA’s Senior Researcher, End Gun Violence Campaign, Jasmeet Sidhu, issued the following statement in response to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signing the Protect Illinois Communities Act into law, banning assault weapons and large-capacity magazines in the state.
“This ban brings the people of Illinois one step closer to having their human rights protected from gun violence. Gun violence persists because of unregulated access to weapons, including assault weapons and large-capacity magazines, and disproportionately affects people of color in Illinois and nationwide.
“Illinois is now the ninth state to ban assault weapons. We urge other states to follow suit in passing legislation to keep people safe from gun violence. While we celebrate this historic moment for Illinois, we call on lawmakers to remain engaged in the fight to end gun violence nationwide and center the voices of advocates on the ground championing these efforts.”
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