Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has vetoed an important self-defense measure that was designed to protect those who are in fear and have applied for a protective order.
The measure, which overwhelmingly passed the House 68-30 and the Senate 28-12, would have allowed any person who is 21 or older; who is not prohibited from purchasing, possessing or transporting a firearm; and who is currently protected by an unexpired protective order to carry a concealed handgun for 45 days after the protective order was issued. This would have provided time for the victim to apply for their concealed-carry permit.
Yet according to the Associated Press, McAuliffe ignored the need for the law and said the bill “perpetuates the dangerous fiction” that domestic violence victims would be safer if they were armed. McAuliffe’s embrace of that false narrative has to be disheartening to those needing protection from violence in Virginia.
