The San Diego City Council approved an ordinance Monday that advocates say would make it more difficult for children and others to get their hands on guns.
The Safe Storage of Firearms Ordinance would require "people who keep firearms in their home to store them in locked containers or disable them with a trigger lock unless the firearm is on their person or in the immediate control of the person so that they can readily retrieve and use the firearm."
San Diego City Attorney Mara Elliott proposed the ordinance last month, saying it would help stop campus shooters, lower chances of teen suicide and accidental domestic violence.
On Monday, the ordinance passed in a 6-2 vote.
San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention, a group supportive of the ordinance said safe storage is the most effective way to reduce firearms deaths and injuries to children.
But 2nd Amendment advocates did not give up without a fight.
The California Rifle and Pistol Association wrote a letter to the council last week, saying the ordinance is not enforceable, unconstitutional, and will make it harder for people to have quick access to guns to protect their homes in emergencies.
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The San Diego County Gun Owners PAC also opposes the ordinance saying the plan takes away someone’s choice in their own home.
Both sides spoke during the council meeting Monday.
Councilmembers Gomez, Bry, Campbell, Ward, Montgomery, and Moreno voted in favor, and Councilmembers Cate and Sherman voted against. Councilmember Kersey was absent.
The ordinance was first heard at the Public Safety and Livable Neighborhoods Committee meeting on June 5, 2019, where it was approved to go before the full council in a 2-1 vote.
To watch the full meeting, click here.
