United States Senator - Jim DeMint
For Immediate Release
November 14th, 2008
Contact: Wesley Denton (202) 224-6121
 
DEMINT: DON’T DISCRIMINATE AGAINST GUN OWNERS
 
Greenville, S.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina), chairman of the Senate Steering Committee, responded to news reports that President-elect Barack Obama is requiring Administration job applicants to state whether they or members of their family own guns.

“I am deeply disturbed that President-elect Obama is asking job applicants whether they or members of their family own guns. Millions of law-abiding Americans own firearms and they should not be discriminated against.

“The questionnaire already seeks information about illegal activity so there is no reason to ask this question unless the Obama Administration plans to use it to discriminate based on lawful activity. For this reason, I will seek to enact legislation to prohibit this type of discrimination.”

Question #59, which appears on the Obama employment “Questionnaire”, reads as follows:

(59) Do you or any members of your immediate family own a gun? If so, provide complete ownership and registration information. Has the registration ever lapsed? Please also describe how and by whom it is used and whether it has been the cause of any personal injuries or property damage.
 
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