DENVER – The Colorado Senate on Tuesday, with Democratic support, gave approval to a measure that would repeal a ban on high-capacity ammunition magazines.
The law was enacted by Democrats in 2013 when they controlled both chambers. This year, Republicans control the Senate.
Three Democrats joined with Republicans in supporting a repeal of the law, including Sens. Cheri Jahn of Wheat Ridge, Kerry Donovan of Vail and Leroy Garcia of Pueblo. The vote was 21-13.
The 2013 law prohibited ammunition magazines of more than 15 rounds. It was part of a package of gun-control laws, including a measure that required background checks for private sales and transfers of firearms.
The issue caused an outcry with gun advocates and Republicans, who made the laws a political focus, specifically targeting high-profile Democrats, including Gov. John Hickenlooper, who won re-election last year but faced a difficult challenge.
Gun-control advocates showed lawmakers photos of victims of gun violence in an attempt to sway them to support the ban, including those who were injured or killed in the 2012 Aurora movie theater massacre.
Senate President Bill Cadman, R-Colorado Springs, said that while he is sympathetic, he doesn’t believe that the ban does anything to increase safety.
“Evil can approach without warning,” Cadman said. “Criminals aren’t going to comply. They’re criminals. Will it stop a law-abiding citizen from acquiring and using one ... absolutely. That’s the difference.”
Two Senate Democrats were recalled from office in 2013 over the laws, including then-President John Morse of Colorado Springs and Angela Giron of Pueblo.
The repeal effort may have passed the Senate, but it faces a nearly impossible challenge in the House, where Democrats have vowed to kill the bill.
Hickenlooper has also voiced his opposition to a repeal effort, suggesting that he would veto the measure if it landed on his desk.
Senate Minority Leader Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, said all the Legislature can do is attempt to protect the public.
“We have those laws because it does prevent some, and it does catch some,” she said. “At the end of the day, moments matter. It is the difference between life or death.”
pmarcus@durangoherald.com
