To the Editor:

State Senate Bill 510 — prohibiting individuals who have been convicted of the misdemeanors of stalking, sexual battery, or assault and battery of a family member, from possessing a firearm for a period of five years following their conviction, after which their gun rights would be automatically restored — passed the Virginia State Senate with bipartisan support. It then went to a sub-committee in the House of Delegates, where it quickly died.

My delegate, Dave Albo, was the lone Republican on that sub-committee to vote in favor of SB 510.

To be clear, these are not just any misdemeanors, but ones that have displayed a pattern of violence — violence that far too often escalates into horrific tragedy. SB 510 is supported by law enforcement associations, state prosecutors, the medical community, women’s groups and groups that advocate against domestic violence throughout Virginia.

I grew up in a military and staunchly Republican household, back in the days when the Republicans were the party of “law and order,” who were toughest on criminals and had little sympathy for their so-called “rights.” Have they now become the party of protecting criminals? How did they decide that the “rights” of these dangerous criminals are more important than the safety and lives of their victims — mostly women and children?

I know this wasn’t an easy vote for Delegate Albo, and I thank him for his courage. But Delegate Albo is also a leader in our House of Delegates, with considerable influence and power in the Republican Party. I urge him to use that influence and power to fight for SB 510 — and to fight for the well-being and lives of women and families, in his district and everywhere in Virginia.

It’s the right thing to do.

Laura Austin

Mount Vernon