Hannity wrong on Mass. gun laws

Attacking Senator John Kerry's position on gun control, FOX News Channel host Sean Hannity falsely asserted on his ABC Radio Networks show that, "in his [Kerry's] own home state, nobody can carry a gun, and if you get caught, mandatory one year in jail." In fact, guns are legal in Massachusetts, as they are in all 50 states, provided the owner has obtained the necessary permits.

From the October 21 broadcast of ABC Radio Networks' nationally syndicated Sean Hannity Show:

HANNITY: Kerry has a website touting his courage to stand -- [impersonating Kerry] "I stood up to the N.E. [sic] -- I've had the courage to stand up to the NRA [National Rifle Association]" -- he's bragging -- "which is fighting tooth and nail against reasonable gun safety procedures." Well, what's reasonable in the mind of a Massachusetts liberal, where, in his own home state, nobody can carry a gun, and if you get caught, mandatory one year in jail?

The Gun Owners' Action League, which bills itself as "the official firearms association of Massachusetts," offers an overview of the general laws of Massachusetts. The organization notes that "Massachusetts requires all gun owners to be licensed" and that "there are three types of licenses," including "the Firearms Identification Card"; "the License to Carry Firearms"; and "a permit for fully automatic firearms." Chapter 140, section 131 of the general laws of Massachusetts allows anyone with a Class A firearms license "to purchase, rent, lease, borrow, possess and carry: (i) firearms, including large capacity firearms ... and (ii) rifles and shotguns, including large capacity weapons."

—J.C.