Beaverton council supports toy gun airsoft ban

The City Council voted Monday night to support adoption of the proposed replica firearm ordinance during its regular meeting.
In response to citizen concerns voiced during a public hearing, the council also told city attorneys to make minor ordinance additions in the next couple weeks that would allow Airsoft guns to be permitted for sanctioned historical military re-enactments and displays during parades, veteran programs and other educational programs that often take place in public places.
The ordinance is scheduled for a first reading during the Feb. 12 meeting and second reading and passage at the Feb. 26 meeting.
It will go into effect following an extensive public outreach effort by the Beaverton Police Department and Beaverton School District to educate students and families about the new rules.
The ordinance will regulate possession of replica firearms in public places including highways, streets, schools, places of amusement, parks, playgrounds, public transportation centers and common areas of apartments and hotels.
Under the ordinance, a replica firearm is any toy or imitation that substantially duplicates a lethal firearm or can reasonably be perceived to be an actual firearm.
The rules would not apply to brightly colored toy guns or those constructed of transparent or translucent materials.
It also does not restrict the use of replica guns on private property, including backyards.
Anyone violating the ordinance could get a citation.
Beaverton’s replica gun ban ordinance was proposed by the police department after several incidents in which officers drew their guns on people who were carrying toy firearms that had a striking resemblance to a real weapon.
The purpose of the new rules is to reduce public alarm caused by sightings of the realistic-looking firearms in the community and prevent officers, citizens and those displaying the toy guns from being injured or killed, said Beaverton Police Chief David Bishop. For Full article please refer to link