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Ad campaign to feature multiple videos that highlight firearm safety policies and call Tennessee voters to reach out to their legislators and express their support
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 3, 2023) — Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN), a nonpartisan organization dedicated to prioritizing firearm safety and promoting responsible firearm ownership through bipartisan legislation, today launched a statewide public education campaign ahead of the August 21 special legislative session planned by Governor Bill Lee. The first campaign ad, entitled “What’s More Important?,” features Katy Dieckhaus, mother of Evelyn Diekhaus (9), one of six victims killed on March 27, 2023 at The Covenant School. The campaign launches the week of what would have been Evelyn’s 10th birthday.
The first video honors Evelyn’s deep faith and love for learning and raises awareness of the fact that a deeply troubled individual was easily able to access multiple firearms, which ultimately killed three children and three adults, including Evelyn. Tennessee’s current laws do little to nothing to prevent individuals who are a danger to themselves or others from accessing firearms, though recent polls show the majority of Tennesseans support legislation that would address this.
The policies Safer TN is advocating for during this session include:
- Temporary transfer laws that would allow authorities, following due process, to temporarily restrict access to firearms from people who pose a risk to themselves or others
- Stronger firearm storage laws that require firearm owners to provide secure storage and report lost or stolen weapons
- Consistent background check requirements across more firearm transactions to help keep firearms away from dangerous people who are not legally allowed to own them
“The time is now. Our children have the right to go to school and live without fear of being shot. Our citizens have the right to feel safer in our communities than they do today. We can make change and preserve these rights, while also preserving the values and rights of responsible firearm ownership,” said Todd Cruse, chairman and treasurer of Safer TN. “As an avid sportsman, gun owner, father and proud Tennessean, I urge you to watch these videos and use your voice to help make change.”
In addition to launching this educational campaign, Safer TN has made exceptional progress building a statewide coalition of Tennessee voters who share a common desire for stronger firearm safety measures. The coalition currently includes voters representing nearly all 95 counties in Tennessee. Supporters are engaging in activities ranging from contacting their local representatives to hosting community forums, such as last week’s “Faith, Firearms and Community Safety in Middle Tennessee” event in Maury County. Safer TN also continues to see an influx of support from donors across the state who are committed to making Tennessee a safer place for us all. These donations allow for the development and sharing of helpful resources like those featured in this campaign.
Safer TN encourages all Tennesseans who believe that we can find common ground and protect our communities to get involved by joining the coalition, donating, and following Safer TN on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for regular updates and calls to action.
About Voices for a Safer Tennessee
Voices for a Safer Tennessee (Safer TN) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition dedicated to prioritizing common-sense firearm safety laws and promoting responsible firearm ownership to make communities across our state safer. Safer TN was founded by neighbors, friends, colleagues and community members who came together with a shared desire for change following the tragic events of March 27, 2023, at The Covenant School in Nashville, Tenn. The organization brings voters and lawmakers together by leading conversations, sharing diverse perspectives and finding commonality to champion the bipartisan change that the majority of Tennessee voters support. Learn more at safertn.org.