Eight Members of Gays Against Guns Arrested at US Senate Protest
February 16, 2019
Photo Credit Alex Golshani Photography
https://www.facebook.com/Alex-Golshani-Photography-151587955440162
Eight members of Gays Against Guns (GAG) were arrested in protest at the Hart Senate Office Building yesterday, Valentines Day, February 14, 2019 during an action entitled "Our Hearts are Broken". This action commemorated the 1st year anniversary of the Parkland massacre during which 17 people lost their lives in Florida.
In an eerie coincidence, and as an illustration of the frequency of mass shootings in America it also marks the one year anniversary of GAG's "Bloody Valentine" action - also at the Senate office building - during which GAG delivered a "Bloody Valentine" to Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) almost at the very moment that the Parkland Massacre was occurring. The 2018 Bloody Valentine action also resulted in arrests for GAG members for civil disobedience.
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GAG Members Arrested in Act of Civil Disobedience. "Our Broken Hearts" Action on Valentine's Day 2019.
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Cornyn, an NRA collaborator and puppet, is the sponsor of the Concealed Carry Reciprocity bill which would require every state to honor the concealed carry permits of any other state regardless - or in spite - of how easy many states allow a citizen to obtain that license.
During yesterday's "Our Hearts are Broken" action, the GAG members were taken into custody after they formed a giant red ‘broken heart’ image on the floor of the atrium with their bodies draped in red cloth while ‘human beings’ - while clad, veiled and silent - stood by carrying images of people who lost their lives to gun violence.
The action began at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019 to draw attention to the one-year mark of the Parkland massacre, a pending Second Amendment Supreme Court case, and to demand that the Senate pass HR 8, a bipartisan background checks bill that would block prohibited people from buying guns by requiring background checks for all gun sales.
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Photo Credit Alex Golshani Photography
https://www.facebook.com/Alex-Golshani-Photography-151587955440162
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The multi-tiered day of action featured speak outs, installations, dynamic signage, and civil disobedience. GAG views the day of action as a framing of our agenda for the year. The first demonstration will took take place at 11:30 am in front of the Supreme Court where GAG drew attention to New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. City of New York, a Supreme Court Second Amendment case that will review a New York City gun law that limits residents from transporting their guns outside their homes.
GAG hosted a public speakout and installation featuring activists and Human Beings, veiled figures in white who hold placards representing the lives lost at the Parkland massacre.
“It is incredibly important to establish GAG’s opposition to the Supreme Court's very recent decision to hear this case which has the potential of dismantling gun control. This is Kavanaugh’s opening salvo; we need to respond,” says member Virginia Vitzthum.
After their protest in front of the Supreme Court, GAG marched to the Russell Senate office building where they visited the offices of Republican senators.
Gagger Virginia in Speaks Truth to Power in Front of the Supreme Court of the United States
GAG marched to the Senate Hart Building where they engaged in a disruptive action. The group later joined the Change the Ref/March for Our Lives sister actions in the area.
“Today’s day of action throws into relief both the cultural and legislative narratives that have emerged since the Parkland shooting. We will honor the 17 lives lost at Parkland with action simultaneously advocating for stronger gun policy. 90% of Americans are in favor of stronger background checks. Gun violence has broken our nation’s heart. The only way to mend its heart is with stronger gun laws like H.R. 8., ” says GAG organizer Maryellen Novak.
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