The Nation : Boston Mayor Signs Gun Ban Proposal

Boston Mayor Raymond L. Flynn signed a proposal to ban new ownership of seven types of automatic and semiautomatic weapons in the city. The measure would outlaw AK-47, Uzi and other semiautomatic weapons named in the statute, require current owners of the weapons to register their guns, and set a $1,000 fine for a first offense. It also establishes a commission to decide whether additional types of guns should be added to the list. The City Council approved the proposal last week by a vote of 12 to 1. The proposal now heads to the Massachusetts Legislature, which must approve it as a “home-rule” petition since its provisions exceed those penalties allowed under state law.