Should gun stores, firing ranges be forced to display suicide prevention info?

Looking to reduce the number of suicides in Los Angeles, Councilman Paul Koretz Tuesday introduced a motion that would require all gun stores and firing ranges in the city to display posters and literature containing suicide prevention information.

According to Koretz’s office, suicide is the leading cause of death among Californians who have purchased a firearm within a year.

“I want the city to play an active part in expanding our firearms safety efforts to include firearms suicide prevention education,” he said. “This type of signage would make no statements on firearm ownership, (and) instead would make sure that individuals who may be contemplating ending their lives using a firearm know they can always talk to someone.”

Koretz’s motion was seconded by Councilman David Ryu and will now go before the Public Safety Committee.

“Women Against Gun Violence is grateful to Councilmember Koretz for tackling the critical issue of guns and suicide,” said Margot Bennett, executive director of Women Against Gun Violence. “When suicide by gun accounts for two-thirds of gun deaths each year in the United States, we must all step forward to do what we can.”

—City News Service