Councilor takes aim at Hub gun loophole
Boston Globe, Wednesday, August 1, 2007
Boston has moved a step closer to closing a loophole in the law that makes it a misdemeanor crime to have an unlicensed gun inside a home, when it's a felony to carry that same weapon on the street.
At-Large City Councilor Michael F. Flaherty held a public hearing on his proposal to strike down a little-known ordinance that makes it difficult for cops to hit someone with felony weapons violations even when an illegal gun causes a tragedy, as was the case with the weapon in the killing of 8-year-old Liquarry Jefferson in June. That 9mm handgun was fired by the boy's younger cousin.
"Homes in all Boston neighborhoods should be serving as a safe haven for people, not illegal guns," Flaherty said.
Prosecutors in Suffolk District Attorney Dan Conley's Office said 10 percent of cases prosecuted in gun court were treated as misdemeanors because of the law last year.
"This legislation is common sense," said Jon Rosenthal, founder and chairman of Stop Handgun Violence.
Boston police Sgt. Detective Ray Mosher testified that Flaherty's legislation "complements and adds strength to laws already on the books."
The proposal is scheduled to be voted on in the next few weeks by the Boston City Council.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino said he would sign the legislation and send it to Beacon Hill.