NRA, Gun-Rights Groups to Oppose Washington Gun-Control Initiative

The National Rifle Association, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, and Washington Arms Collectors announced on Monday they would team up to fight a ballot initiative in Washington State.

The coalition said it would be collecting donations in Washington State in order to fight Initiative 1639. That initiative would ban adults under the age of 21 from owning semiautomatic rifles, require those who wish to purchase a handgun to sign a waiver allowing police to access their private medical records, mandate a 10-day waiting period for all semiautomatic rifle purchases, and institute a host of other gun-control measures. \

The NRA said they believed teaming with other groups was the best way to fight the proposal.

"Washington gun owners deserve a coalition dedicated to defending their freedoms, and the NRA is ready to lead the charge," Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action, said. "The six million members of the NRA enthusiastically welcome the Citizens Committee For The Right To Keep And Bear Arms and the Washington Arms Collectors to this fight."