Jimmy Carter on Gun Control
TL;DR
Jimmy Carter firmly advocates for stricter gun control measures, including assault weapon bans and enhanced background checks for buyers.
Key Points
In May 1994, he co-signed a letter with former presidents Ford and Reagan supporting a ban on "semi-automatic assault guns."
He favors registration of handguns, a ban on the sale of cheap handguns, and the implementation of reasonable licensing provisions, including waiting periods.
In 2018, he expressed hope for the success of young activists who were pushing for measures like good background checks and banning rapid-fire military weapons.
Summary
Jimmy Carter has publicly and consistently expressed support for increased gun control measures, particularly advocating for bans on certain types of firearms and enhanced vetting processes for purchasers. He has stated his belief that there is no real threat to the Second Amendment posed by policies such as mandatory background checks or eliminating rapid-fire military weapons. Furthermore, the former president has criticized what he views as the unreasonable demands of gun lobbying groups and the timidity of politicians who yield to them.
His position includes specific policy recommendations such as registration of handguns, banning the sale of cheap handguns, and implementing waiting periods for purchases. During his post-presidency, Carter reaffirmed this stance, notably joining former presidents in 1994 to support banning semi-automatic assault guns, and later, in 2018, supporting the persistence of youth activists pushing for legislative change. He made these points while also noting that he personally owns several rifles and a handgun for sporting and defense purposes, differentiating his views from those he sees as extreme within the gun lobby.
Key Quotes
The overwhelming majority of Americans feel that AK-47s ought not to be sold to people through a gun shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jimmy Carter is a proponent of stricter gun control measures, as detailed in his post-presidency activities and writings. According to his public statements, he supports measures like universal background checks and banning assault weapons. He has stated that these desires do not constitute a threat to the Second Amendment guarantee, as noted in a 2006 book.
Yes, Jimmy Carter publicly supported an assault weapons ban. In May 1994, he joined former Presidents Ford and Reagan in writing to the U.S. House of Representatives to advocate for banning "semi-automatic assault guns." He stated that these weapons are only used for killing humans, not for hunting.
Carter's documented positions show a consistent support for gun control measures dating back to his time as president and continuing into his post-presidency. In a 1976 book, he advocated for handgun registration and bans on cheap handguns, and in 2018, he praised the persistence of youth activists on the issue. His position appears to have remained steady over the decades, as noted by advocates of gun violence prevention.
Sources7
Jimmy Carter sees "no threat" to 2nd Amendment from March for Our Lives youth
President Jimmy Carter was a champion for gun violence prevention during and aft...
Jimmy Carter on Gun Control - OnTheIssues.org
Political positions of Jimmy Carter - Wikipedia
Remarks by President Jimmy Carter | SADAT l Anwar Sadat Chair ...
Jimmy Carter’s policy on gun control
In 1994, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and Ronald Reagan wrote to the U.S. House in support of banning "semi-automatic assault guns". : r/Presidents
* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.