Female Lawmakers Call on NRA to End ‘Refuse to Be a Victim’ Ad
More than 25 female members of Congress are urging the National Rifle Assn. to stop a self-protection ad campaign aimed at women who fear becoming crime victims.
The ad, Rep. Nita M. Lowey (D-N.Y.) said Friday, is “a veiled attempt by the NRA to add new members and promote gun ownership by preying on women’s legitimate fears of violence. Women who fear crime must not be cynically exploited as an untapped market.”
Lowey and several other congresswomen spoke at a news conference outside the gun association’s headquarters.
Tanya Metaksa, chairwoman of the NRA’s Women’s Policies Committee, said that Lowey and her colleagues were misinterpreting the 42-point “refuse to be a victim” campaign.
The NRA program offers a free brochure with tips on such things as home, phone and car security.
The pamphlet also promotes a three-hour, $20 NRA personal safety course for women.
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