Copyright: TVB Pearl News, Ms. Sonya Artero
{O/C} An emotional push for stronger gun restrictions in the U.S. made all the difference for gun-control advocates gathered in Washington D.C.
That's where a new gun-control bill cleared the first hurdle in the Senate.
Sonya Artero reports.
{SOT}
In the shadows of the U.S. Capitol where Congress is scrutinising a tough new gun-control bill, 3,300 crosses were erected on the National Mall. Each one represents a victim of gun violence around the country.
Right outside the Capitol, an outpouring of emotions during a 23-hour vigil held in the name of gun victims.
Inside the Senate, photos of the children and teachers who died in the Newtown, Connecticut school shooting in December spoke volumes as to why stricter gun measures in America are needed.
{Soundbite} RICHARD BLUMENTHAL, U.S. Senator (D-Connecticut): The world has watched Newtown and the families of Newtown. It is watching the Senate to see whether democracy works.
It's the same reason family members of the Sandy Hook Elementary victims, including both children and school staff, were present for the vote.
{Soundbite} ERICA LAFFERTY, Victim's Daughter: We are standing here because her sister and my mom can't be and their voices need to be heard and they're going to carry through us.
{Soundbite} JILLIAN SOTO, Victim's Sister: We're here to demand action and demand that we receive a vote.
Their emotional demand triggered the response they hoped for.
{Soundbite} On this vote the yays are 68, the nays are 31.
The favourable vote now opens what will likely be weeks of emotional debate on President Barack Obama's proposal to expand background checks for gun buyers, tighten restrictions on gun trafficking and increase funding for school security.
The legislation still faces a tough reception in the Republican-led House of Representatives.
No major gun legislation has passed the U.S. Congress since 1994.
Still, the political landscape of gun control in America is slowly but surely being transformed due in great part to those who lost their lives in the Newtown massacre.
Sonya Artero, TVB news.
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