A Message from Lt. Governor Brown

Dear Friends,

Earlier today, Governor O’Malley signed legislation that will take guns out the hands of domestic abusers. For me, and far too many other Marylanders, this new law strikes a personal chord.

My cousin Cathy was killed by her estranged boyfriend last summer.   She was one of 75 Marylanders who lost their lives because of domestic violence.  Our efforts to take firearms out of the picture in abusive situations won’t bring Cathy or any of the other victims back, but they will save lives in the years to come.

I thank Governor O’Malley and the members of the Maryland General Assembly for taking up this important issue and putting this common-sense measure into law.

There is still work to do. We will continue to work with our partners and allies in the nonprofit community to educate men and women about domestic violence.  By working together and putting Maryland’s families first, we can win the fight against domestic violence and save lives in every community.

Anthony Brown

Lieutenant Governor

The first legislation signed today allows Maryland judges to order a person under a temporary protective order to surrender his or her firearms. The other measure signed requires a judge to order someone to surrender his or her guns upon the issuance of a permanent protective order.  These laws become effective October 1, 2009.

Related posts:

1. Domestic Violence Billboards: Idea! – Maryland Insurance Companies Should Sponsor
2. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE LEGISLATION FINAL REPORT ♦ 2009 Maryland Legislative Agenda
3. Domestic Violence: What Can the Judge Order?