SACRAMENTO — Denouncing it as a "cynical effort to con the public," Gov. Pete Wilson on Monday vetoed legislation aimed at strengthening California's ban on military-style assault weapons. In a series of unusually stinging veto messages, the governor asserted that tougher penalties on gun-wielding criminals — not the enactment of new controls on firearms — are a proven remedy to reduce crime. Supporters of the bill, which narrowly cleared the Legislature last... (GunPolicy.org)

ACCRA, Ghana — The executive director of the Centre for Conflict Resolution, Lt. Gen. Arnold Quainoo, has stressed the need to stimulate debate and public consciousness to help address the problem of weapons proliferation in the West African sub-region. Civil society should support government initiatives to rid the sub-region of weapons, he told a Consultation on Micro Disarmament in West Africa Monday. The three-day meeting is being organised by the World Council... (GunPolicy.org)

SACRAMENTO, California — Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed legislation aimed at cheap handguns and at strengthening California's landmark 1989 ban on military-style assault weapons. The Republican governor on Monday vetoed a bill that sought to shore up a portion of the assault weapons ban that an appeals court recently deemed unconstitutional. The bill narrowly passed the Democratic-controlled Legislature last month. The governor called the bill a "maze which would entrap... (GunPolicy.org)

EDMONTON — A decision by Alberta's top court upholding the new federal gun control law has opponents considering an appeal to the Supreme Court. "I think this decision really calls out for an appeal, it was so close," Ontario Solicitor General Bob Runciman said of the narrow 3-2 written ruling released Tuesday by the Alberta Court of Appeal. "Clearly the arguments that Ontario put forward and other jurisdictions had some merit." Ontario, along with Manitoba,... (GunPolicy.org)

SACRAMENTO, California — California Gov. Pete Wilson has vetoed a bill to create the strongest assault weapons ban in the United States, saying the measure was a "maze which would entrap the unwary" and lead to endless litigation. Wilson, who turned back the bill late Monday, said the measure was too broad, too confusing, and would lump legitimate gun owners in with criminals. "If this bill's focus were high-speed sports cars, it would first declare them 'chariots... (GunPolicy.org)