FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Lansing, MI, 4.19.2012)  Nearly three out of four Michigan citizens oppose a proposed law that would for the first time allow concealed handguns to be carried into bars, day care centers, hospitals, and college dormitories and other locations, a new poll shows – and a majority of those with concealed weapon permits oppose the bill, too.

The telephone survey of 600 registered voters, conducted by EPIC/MRA of Lansing from March 31 to April 3, found that 72 percent of voters surveyed said they opposed the bill – 63 percent strongly opposed. Only 25 percent of those surveyed favored the bill. The poll was conducted from March 31-April 3. It has a margin of error of 4 percent.

A follow up question asked persons if they had a concealed weapon permit. Cross-tabs between the two questions found that 53 percent of those who had a permit said they opposed the bill.

Every demographic group opposed the proposal, including Tea Party supporters, strong and moderate GOP voters who support the Tea Party, Romney voters, all Republicans (men and women) and voters with a favorable opinion of Gov. Rick Snyder or those who think he is doing a good job.

“This bill totally ignores public opinion on where people should be able to carry guns,” said Andy Pelosi, director of The Campaign to Keep Guns off Campus.  “Lawmakers should think very carefully before moving this bill forward, as there is very little public support and they are pursuing a solution for a problem that doesn’t really exist.”

The question asked in the survey was:

Current Michigan law allows people with a concealed weapons permit to carry their handguns nearly everywhere, but the law has some exceptions. A bill now before the Michigan Legislature would, for the first time, allow individuals who have a permit to carry a concealed handgun to carry it in schools or on school property, day care centers, sports arenas or stadiums, bars and taverns, hospitals and college dormitories or classrooms. Based on what you know about this issue, do you favor or oppose the proposal to allow concealed handguns to be carried anywhere? [IF FAVOR/OPPOSE, ASK: ‘Do you strongly or somewhat (FAVOR/OPPOSE) the proposal?

 

17%

Strongly favors proposal

  8%

Somewhat favors proposal

25%

TOTAL FAVOR

72%

TOTAL OPPOSE

  9%

Somewhat opposes proposal

63%

Strongly opposes proposal

  3%

Undecided/Refused

# # #

The Campaign to Keep Guns Off Campus was founded in 2008 to urge colleges and universities to band together to oppose the gun lobby’s agenda to push guns onto college campuses. To date, the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) and more than 335 colleges and universities in 39 states have joined the Campaign by signing a resolution that opposes legislation that would restrict an educational institution’s autonomy to regulate possession of firearms on campus. View list at https://www.keepgunsoffcampus.org/list.html

For More Information Contact:  Andy Pelosi: 914-629-6726 or David Waymire: 517-485-6600