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South Jersey Leaders Rally Behind Gun Control Measures In Light Of Orlando Massacre

by David Madden

PENNSAUKEN, NJ (CBS) -- Law enforcement and religious leaders joined with LGBT and elected representatives in South Jersey to mourn the carnage last weekend at an Orlando nightclub, and to support what they call common sense gun control legislation.

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(Credit: David Madden)

They gathered at a memorial for victims of terror in Cooper River Park, upset that they have to do this again, but resolute in their resolve to make this time the last one. Among them, attorney Brian McGinnis of Collingswood, a leader in South Jersey's LGBT community.

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(Credit: David Madden)

"The question we have to ask is what can we do to stop bigots from turning hate into deadly violence in this country," McGinnis said. "And ultimately moments of silence, thoughts and prayers are not enough. It's time to act."

They're supporting measures to call for universal background checks for anyone buying a gun anywhere and a ban on assault weapons like the AR-15 used in Orlando. Congressman Donald Norcross is glad the Senate will vote on those issues next week, but insists Republicans in the House should stop efforts to block a vote in that body.

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(Credit: David Madden)

"Between 70 and 80% of all Americans, including NRA members, believe that this is a common sense thing to do," Norcross said. "Yet the fact of the matter it isn't being done.

Democrats are using a procedural rule to try to force a House vote.

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