'Gun Show Loophole' Compromise Is Rejected

A state senator who represents the district that includes Virginia Tech tried unsuccessfully to reopen debate yesterday on closing the "gun show loophole."

Sen. John S. Edwards (D-Roanoke) voted against a bill last week that would have required most sellers at gun shows to conduct background checks on buyers. The legislation had been endorsed by families of victims of last year's Virginia Tech massacre but opposed by gun rights advocates. Currently, only licensed dealers must conduct background checks.

Although the legislation was effectively dead, Edwards proposed a compromise that would have made background checks voluntary for unlicensed sellers. But it was rejected by Democrats and Republicans on the committee.

"I think this is a middle ground," he said after the committee adjourned. "A lot of people would like to do something. Problem is, no one is trying to find a middle ground."

Edwards said he will continue to push the compromise, perhaps by attaching it to another bill.

-- Sandhya Somashekhar

Measure to Make Cockfighting a Felony Is Approved Unanimously in Committee

A measure to toughen the state's laws against animal fighting cleared its first legislative hurdle yesterday.

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources unanimously endorsed a bill that would make cockfighting a felony. The panel sent the bill to the Courts of Justice Committee for further examination.

As it stands, cockfighting is illegal only if gambling is involved, and then it is just a misdemeanor.

The proposed legislation also would outlaw possession of any device or substance to enhance an animal's fighting ability and make it illegal to allow a juvenile to attend an animal fight.

Supporters of the bill say the Michael Vick dogfighting case proved something needs to be done.

-- Associated Press