Debate over gun control records

NORTHAMPTON, Mass. (WWLP) - A new debate on gun control has sparked in western Massachusetts after a newspaper in New York is being criticized for publishing names of gun permit holders.

In the wake of this month's massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, the "Journal News" in New York published an interactive map listing the names and addresses of gun permit holders in two New York Counties--Westchester and Rockland. The paper argued that residents have a right to access information regarding who has a weapon.

"I think it's a good idea...for the kids especially. Anything they can do to help. If that will help, I'm all for it", said Dennis Morel of Warren.

Nathan of South Deerfield said he believe there's two sides to this move. "It's good on the behalf that some people want to know whether there are guns in their neighborhood. But at the same time, it does break people's privacy", said Nathan.

The availability of firearms records to the public varies from state to state.

In Massachusetts, the laws actually protect the information of those who have gun permits. But many parents here in the Commonwealth say they'd fully support a change in this law.

"I definitely would be....because then you could have a choice of sending your kids to the houses that actually had guns in the home", said Sabine Dusenberry of Colrain.