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N.C. measure offers gun info to battered spouses

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina lawmakers have approved a measure that would require courts to give battered spouses something extra when they seek restraining orders - information on how to apply for a concealed weapon.

Victims' advocates, who normally support efforts aimed at curbing domestic violence, said they couldn't support this one because it could end up causing more problems by bringing guns into already volatile relationships.

"In my experience, if you've got a fire out there, I don't think you put it out by throwing gas on it," said Bart Rick, a Seattle-area sheriff who chairs the National Sheriffs' Association domestic violence committee. "When I read this ... I went "Whoa.' "

But the head of the gun-rights group that pushed for the measure said it's more about helping victims of domestic violence help themselves.

"We're not interested in them shooting their abusers," said Paul Valone, president of Grass Roots North Carolina. "We're interested in delivering a message: When police can't protect these people, they are capable of protecting themselves."

The bill, which passed overwhelmingly in both houses of the legislature, would also add protective orders to the evidence a sheriff can consider when determining whether to issue an emergency permit to carry a concealed weapon. Normally, an applicant must wait 90 days for such a permit.

The measure becomes law Oct. 1 unless Gov. Mike Easley vetoes it. His office declined Wednesday to comment on his plans.

Valone and the bill's co-sponsor, Rep. Linda Johnson, said they're surprised by the criticism the measure has generated.

"My reasoning is to educate them on ways that they can protect themselves, whether it be female or male," said Johnson, a Republican from Cabarrus County.

But debate on the legislation did prompt some odd comments from lawmakers. When pressed by colleagues to explain what the measure does, Rep. Ronnie Sutton quipped: "It makes a bunch of people feel more secure, and it seriously runs the risk of getting somebody killed."

Sutton, a Democrat who chaired the judiciary committee that approved the law, later explained he thinks the latter is an unintentional, but possible, result.

State officials said that of the 41 homicides in the state blamed on domestic violence this year, 21 involved guns.

"We know that the risk of homicide increases when you leave a batterer," said Marie Brodie, who trains crisis counselors across the state through the North Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "That information coupled with guns being available scares me."

[Last modified August 18, 2005, 01:06:07]