Posted by Michelle Manchir at 12:15 p.m.
SPRINGFIELD — In what’s practically annual rite of spring, a legislative panel today approved a ban on high-powered, semi-automatic assault weapons favored by Mayor Richard Daley.
The idea of outlawing the weapons consistently
has stalled in the General Assembly, where regional differences
split votes between gun rights supporters and gun control advocates.
Rep. Edward Acevedo, D-Chicago, sponsored today’s proposal that would make it a felony to own, sell or manufacture the assault weapons in Illinois. He said it would help save lives.
"They are not designed for sport," Acevedo said. "They are designed to kill humans quickly and efficiently."
A House committee approved the measure 7-4 but only after both Democrats and Republicans expressed concerns.
Rep. Michael Tryon, R-Crystal Lake, who voted against the measure, said municipalities should focus on violence prevention programs.
"Maybe we’re trying to treat the symptom and not the disease," Tryon said. "I look at this as an issue not so much of guns but of gun violence."
Rep. Joseph Lyons, D-Chicago, supported the measure but added: "No matter what we try to do, the bad guys still find ways to get guns."
The measure now goes to the full House for consideration.