By MAGGIE ROTERMUND
March 1, 2001

JEFFERSON CITY — Handguns attracted much attention in Missouri’s statehouse Wednesday as the state Senate debated a bill to force St. Louis to drop its lawsuit against handgun manufacturers.

Senate President Pro Tem Peter Kinder, R-Cape Girardeau, introduced the bill, which would prohibit state and local governments from suing firearm or ammunition manufacturers.

"Tobacco was unpopular. Guns are unpopular. Who’s next?" Kinder asked Sen. Ken Jacob, D-Columbia, one of only a handful of Senate opponents to Kinder’s bill.

"Alcohol," Jacob replied. Again Kinder asked, "Who’s next? The fast-food industry for making people obese?"

On the opening day of the debate, Kinder’s main opposition came from Sen. John Schneider, D-St. Louis County. Schneider offered five amendments during the morning session. All were shot down by margins of about 4-to-1.

"This is a dangerous bill. It has been written by very, very adept people. It is the slickest language," Schneider said.

Jacob joined Schneider’s opposition, offering three amendments, all of which were defeated. Jacob argued that the issue was about letting citizens have their day in court.

St. Louis is one of several cities that have filed lawsuits against the handgun manufacturing industry, charging that their products have contributed to the homicide and assault rates of urban America.

The Senate adjourned for the day without taking a final vote on the proposal. Votes on several amendments showed that the bill has overwhelming support in the Senate.

Senate debate began on the same day the National Rifle Association held a rally at the statehouse to support legislation to allow Missourians to carry concealed weapons. Hundreds gathered in the Capital rotunda Wednesday morning to garner support from legislators.

"I own a gun and at times I carry a gun — and I’m a Democrat," said House Speaker Jim Kreider, D-Nixa. "Missouri Democrats are fiercely independent. We still believe in the traditions and freedoms that built this country."

Although Missourians narrowly voted down a concealed weapons proposition in 1999, the issue has been reintroduced by the House Majority Leader, Rep. Wayne Crump, D-Jefferson County.

Under Crump’s bill, a statewide vote would not be required to make carrying concealed weapons legal.

Source: Digital Missourian