An international standards organization issued a merchant code identifying guns and ammo sales after a bank acting to end gun violence requested it.
New York’s Amalgamated Bank petitioned the International Standards Organization (ISO) unsuccessfully twice before receiving approval this year for the new merchant category code.
“We all have to do our part to stop gun violence,” said Priscilla Brown, president and CEO of Amalgamated Bank. “And it sometimes starts with illegal purchases of guns and ammunition. The new code will allow us to fully comply with our duty to report suspicious activity and illegal gun sales to authorities without blocking or impeding legal gun sales.”
Brown explained the bank’s advocacy for creating the new merchant category code stemmed from years of research and partners with Guns Down America and Giffords Law Center. She added, in a statement, the measure enjoyed broad support from elected officials and pension funds.
New York politicians were quick to heap praise on the new category code.
Gov. Kathy Hochul (D-NY) said everyone has a part to play in ending gun violence and appreciated the bank’s efforts.
“I’m grateful to the business leaders who stepped up and joined the fight to protect public safety — here in New York and across the nation,” Hochul said in a statement.
The state’s attorney general, Democrat Letitia James signaled support, also.
“Labeling gun and ammunition sales is a responsible, common sense way to help protect Americans and I thank Amalgamated Bank for their bold leadership on this critical issue,” James said in a statement.
New York City’s mayor, a retired police officer, also welcomed the news.
“Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority — and that is why we are taking every possible step to dam the many rivers leading to the sea of gun violence,” said Mayor Eric Adams in a statement. “We are grateful that the International Standards Organization has heeded our call to create a new merchant category code for firearms and ammunition sales.”
New York’s governor pushed through changes to the state’s gun laws after the Supreme Court ruled against the Empire State’s handgun permit policy. The new gun law became effective September 1.
“The laws contain strengthened background checks and firearm safety and live-fire training for individuals seeking to obtain concealed carry permits; prohibit concealed carry permit holders from bringing their firearms into sensitive locations,” Hochul declared in a statement. “Sensitive locations” include Times Square, bars, libraries, schools, government buildings and hospitals, among other places.
A North County state senator blasted Hochul because he contends the law’s language means guns are outlawed in New York’s six-million acre Adirondack Park.
“The law reads clearly that it will be a felony to possess a firearm, rifle or shotgun in sensitive areas – including parks,” declared state Sen. Paul Stec (R-Queensbury). “What this means for the Adirondacks was discussed by the Legislature during debate of the bill July 1st and their legislative intent was made explicitly clear by the Senate and Assembly sponsors.”
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