At Phoenix event, Giffords urges keeping guns away from abusers
Gun-control activists former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and husband, Mark Kelly, were in Phoenix on Monday to advocate for stricter laws that would help keep guns away from domestic abusers.
Kelly introduced Giffords at an event of the Arizona Foundation for Women with a speech encouraging Arizonans to call on politicians to fix holes in state laws where potential gun buyers, including those with misdemeanor domestic-violence convictions, are not required to pass background checks or meet other public safety standards.
"We can't let them (politicians) pretend they are with us on violence against women but against us on gun-violence prevention, because they are really two heads of the same beast and politics should not come in the way of a woman's safety," Kelly said at the luncheon held Monday afternoon at the Arizona Biltmore resort.
Sporting a wide smile, Giffords took the podium to a standing ovation.
"For mothers, for families, for me and you, women can lead the way," Giffords said. "We stand for common sense, we stand for responsibility, and together we can win elections. Together we can change the laws. Please join your voice with mine."
The Arizona Foundation for Women, founded in 1995, aims to lead efforts to protect and empower women and children statewide through non-profit organizations and programs.
The foundation's SHE Counts! campaign hosted an all-day event Monday open to the public with the purchase of a ticket ranging from $50 to $125. The day started with a breakfast event featuring a panel discussion focusing on men's advocacy and athletics, with former NFL players and advocates Lynn Larson, Scottie Graham and Dan Manucci.
"We knew we needed to do something, so we began to raise money and awareness and invest in programs that focused on safety, health, and economic empowerment," said Sarah Presler, foundation CEO.
Proceeds from the event, attended by around 100 guests, will benefit grants to Arizona non-profits, original research on status of Arizona women and children, and programs to increase awareness about women's issues in Arizona, according to a foundation statement.
Kelly reminded luncheon guests that guns are the most commonly used weapon by domestic abusers and most women who are murdered die in their own homes at the hands of someone they know.
America is in the middle of an important conversation about domestic violence and abuse, a culture that men and women can work together to change, he said.
"To the NFL, to our college campuses, questions about our women's safety is front and center," Kelly said. "And women have been leading the way and insisting that we have this conversation, and men need to join clearly and confidently with voices that say, 'No more apologies for abusers'."