Bill & Melinda Gates had already donated $50,000 to the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility, a coalition that wants to require background checks for Washington residents who buy firearms at gun shows and online.
But now the couple is reaching deeper into their pockets and late last week poured in $500,000 each to the organization.
The Gates’ have joined Steve & Connie Ballmer ($600,000), Paul Allen ($500,000), and venture capitalist Nick Hanauer — who just donated another $1 million on top of $300,000 already contributed — as notable members of Seattle’s tech community who have supported Initiative 594.
“We are pleased to join many others making a donation to the Washington Alliance for Gun Responsibility to support Initiative 594 on the November ballot,” the Gates’ said in a statement. “We believe it will be an effective and balanced approach to improving gun safety in our state by closing existing loopholes for background checks.”
I-594, which has raised $6 million and will be on the November ballot, would close what the alliance calls a “loophole.”
“Law enforcement agencies and public safety officials agree that this loophole promotes illegal gun trafficking and enables individuals with criminal intent to purchase firearms,” the alliance notes. “This initiative will simply ensure that a background check is conducted for every gun purchase.”
I-594 would include some exemptions, including gifts within a family, antique firearms, and temporary transfers to prevent death or injury.
While many from law enforcement agencies support the initiative, there are some organizations like the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs who oppose I-594 and instead support Initiative-591, a competing measure that would prevent Washington from enacting background check requirements that are not required by federal law.
A July poll found 70 percent of Washington voters in support of I-594, but also 46 percent in support of I-591.
