Minnesota governor signs gun safety measures: red flag law, expanded background checks

@ap.news Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz signs a ban on so-called conversion therapy during a ceremony at the State Capitol in St. Paul, Minn., on Thursday, July 15, 2021. Walz said conversion therapy, the scientifically discredited practice of using therapy to “convert” LGBTQ people to heterosexuality or traditional gender expectations, is a “byzantine, tortuous practice.” He said his order empowers state agencies to ensure that no Minnesotans under age 18 are subjected to it, and that insurance companies and state health plans don’t cover it. (AP Photo/Steve Karnowski)

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has signed two gun safety measures into law.

The new “red flag law” allows authorities to ask courts for permission to take guns away from people deemed to be an imminent threat to others or themselves. The other measure expands background checks for gun transfers. Walz said Friday it took decades for these measures to be considered in Minnesota.

Gabby Giffords also spoke at the event. She’s a former Democratic congresswoman from Arizona who was shot in the head in 2011. She urged Democrats, Republicans, and independents to unite and stop gun violence together.

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