February 19, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe the current regulations regarding firearms are adequate, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 52 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. does not need stricter gun control laws.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States believe the current regulations regarding firearms are adequate, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 52 per cent of respondents believe the U.S. does not need stricter gun control laws.

The U.S. Constitution's second amendment guarantees Americans the right "to keep and bear arms." Some American states have enacted their own gun control regulations, independent of existing federal legislation.

A Republican-initiated gun legislation project that would have protected weapons producers against lawsuits was voted down in the U.S. Senate in March 2004, after Democratic lawmakers amended the bill to include mandatory background checks for purchases at gun shows. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act eventually passed in October 2005.

On Feb. 11, U.S. vice-president Dick Cheney accidentally shot and injured lawyer Harry Whittington—an acquaintance and campaign contributor—during a quail hunt at a South Texas ranch. Whittington sustained injuries to his face, chest and neck, and spent six days in a hospital. According to ranch owner Katharine Armstrong, Cheney turned around to shoot at a bird, but did not know that Whittington "was in the line of fire."

Polling Data

Does the U.S. need stricter gun control laws?

Yes	39%
No	52%

Source: Rasmussen Reports
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 American adults, conducted on Feb. 14 and Feb. 15, 2006. Margin of error is 3 per cent.