Water pistols to be banned? The following was released by the Illinois State Rifle Association (ISRA): "What kind of nut would want to ban squirt guns?" That's the question that tens of thousands of law-abiding Illinois firearm owners are asking today after it was revealed that Rep. Linda Chapa LaVia (D-Aurora) has co-sponsored a measure that would ban the possession of everything from water pistols to hunting rifles. The bill in question, HB4132, would ban the sale and possession of so-called "replica weapons" including anything that looks even remotely like a firearm or other materiel produced for military purposes. The ISRA stands firmly opposed to HB4132 as the bill is a thinly veiled attempt to ban private firearm ownership in the state. "Never in my career have I seen such a slick attempt at instituting a state-wide gun ban," commented ISRA Executive Director Richard Pearson. "Nearly every firearm model for sale in Illinois was either designed for military use, or is used by the military for one purpose or another. Therefore, under this bill, nearly every pistol, revolver, rifle or shotgun owned by Illinois citizens would be banned." ... "HB4132 is so sweeping that it would go as far as to ban cap guns and water pistols," said Pearson. "Given that this is an election year, I can't wait to see how Rep. Chapa LaVia will spin her ban on squirt guns to her political advantage."


UK: Anger at pupils' gun lessons: "Inner city children will be encouraged to take up shooting in the countryside as part of a new education initiative drawn up by a pro-hunting group. The Countryside Alliance is setting up a charitable educational wing, inviting city children to rural areas to learn about shooting, fishing and farming. ... Ms Hoey said she wanted to bridge the divide between inner cities and rural areas, but the plan was dismissed by anti-gun campaigner and Birmingham Labour MP Steve McCabe as a gimmick. ... Ms Hoey, the MP for Vauxhall, has already invited youngsters from her inner-city London constituency to a clay pigeon shoot to educate them about guns. She said: 'What I am interested in is the huge divide between inner city areas and the countryside. I have taken some constituents to experience the countryside and have a go at clay pigeon shooting. I think it is important that children understand that shooting can be a great fun sport where we win medals and children are taught about the discipline about handling a weapon.'"