Pennsylvania has the second-highest rate of black homicide victimization of any state, according to a report published by the Violence Policy Center last week.
Unsurprisingly, most of these homicides were shootings, and the majority occurred in Philadelphia and its surrounding suburbs.
This report provides further support for the pressing need for stronger gun-control legislation in Philadelphia.
Unfortunately, the Pennsylvania Constitution prohibits cities from implementing their own gun laws. As a result, Philadelphia is subject to the same lax legislation that governs its rural neighbors.
Today, the City Council has on its agenda four bills that propose to amend The Philadelphia Code to address this need for gun safety. We support these measures and believe that they should pass.
But even if they do, the ordinances challenge the supremacy of the state Constitution. They have been attacked by opponents as measures that undermine the sovereignty of the state over the issue of gun control.
But that sovereignty is exactly what needs to be eliminated. The state Constitution must be amended to allow urban areas to enact their own, stronger gun laws.
Philadelphia will not become a safer city until that day comes.
Have some thoughts on gun control legislation? Send us a letter to the editor: letters@theDP.com.
