Some local peace groups who are fighting for what they call "common sense federal gun violence prevention legislation," are protesting the location of a gun forum tonight at Bob's Gun Shop in McKean.
Groups including Benedictine Sisters for Peace, The Social Justice Committee of the Sisters of St. Joseph, Mothers Against Teen Violence, The Erie Peace Initiative and CeaseFire PA held a meeting of their own to complain. They say gathering at a gun range doesn't seem like an open forum to them and they don't believe our local congressmen should attend. Sister Mary Claire Kennedy, Social Justice Coordinator said, "I think under the circumstances, because of the controversy surrounding the issue, they should have declined and scheduled a neutral place where all constituents would feel comfortable."
Shop owner Bob McDowell says gun owners have been holding forums and meetings with political officials at his shop for years and tonight's is no different. He says anyone is welcome, but if people don't like the venue, they should schedule their own forum. He says the mission of gun owners is hear where lawmakers stand on the issues and to convey their message that,"It's not the guns causing the problems, it's the criminal misuse of the guns."
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