In the wake of new federal restrictions and a ballot initiative in Washington state, California may be next to jump on the “banned”-wagon. A new bill proposed in the Legislature would prohibit the sale of most ivory products in the state, not only by retailers but even among private collectors.
The measure is being touted as a way to cut down on elephant poaching worldwide, but the import and sale of ivory has already been illegal in California since 1977. Supporters of the bill say that sellers still secure ivory from poached elephants and sell it under the guise of pre-ban ivory or mammoth tusk. But even if legislation would crack down on that practice, it would also have a devastating impact on legitimate collectors and merchants. For every unethical antique dealer, there are many gun owners who don’t want to see their prized firearms lose their value.
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Use Your Power!
Residents of California should tell their representatives not to support the new ivory ban bill, which indiscriminately punishes collectors in an effort to root out a few supporters of poaching. Let your representative know that this bill is a blunt instrument that will do more harm than good. Call the Congressional Hotline at (202) 224-3121, or contact them online
here.
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