I am a woman, and a hunter. From this unique hook point, I would like to bring to attention my opposition to the bill 2025 -- H 5436, the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025. I believe that many who are supporting this bill have a dim understanding of firearms and their operation. It is easy to demonize something that you fail to fully grasp.

Firearms are part and parcel of life for many in our state. Approximately 14.5% of households in Rhode Island legally own their firearms (Statistic Brain Research Institute, 2021). These homeowners, hunters, and responsible citizens like myself feel unheard. Moreover, we find ourselves surrounded by the misconceptions on firearms that give way to hasty, blanket prohibitions.

With this petition, we seek to voice our opposition to a bill that feels impersonal and ignores the nuanced reality of responsible gun ownership. We call upon our legislators to open a balanced dialogue that better educates the public on firearms, aims to create a safer society and respects the rights of legal gun owners.

Please, sign this petition to stand against the Rhode Island Assault Weapons Ban Act of 2025. Take a moment to truly understand the complexities of this issue, rather than applying simplified, blanket bans that fail to address the larger picture.