The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 43% now believe stricter gun control laws are needed. Forty-nine percent (49%) disagree and say the country does not need stricter gun control laws. That reflects a big change in the weeks since the tragedy at Virginia Tech. A survey conducted immediately after that horrifying incident found just 37% opposed to stricter gun control laws.

There is a huge gender gap on this issue. Men, by a 64% to 32% margin, say stricter laws are not needed. Women, by a 52% to 36% margin, take the opposite view and want to see stricter gun control laws.

There is also a huge partisan divide. Republicans, by a 69% to 22% margin, oppose more gun control laws. Democrats, by a 58% to 34% margin, favor stricter laws. Those not affiliated with either major party are evenly divided.

Part of the difference is that Republicans than Democrats are more likely to own a gun. In households where someone owns a gun, just 29% say that stricter gun control laws are needed. In gun-free households, 55% want to see stricter laws.

Forty-five percent (45%) of Americans have a favorable opinion of the National Rifle Association (NRA). Thirty-three percent (33%) have an unfavorable view of the organization.

Thirty-seven percent (37%) of Americans say that stricter gun controls would reduce the amount of violent crime in the nation. Sixteen percent (16%) say violent crime would increase. A plurality, 40%, say it would have no impact.

Rasmussen Reports provides regular updates on public attitudes on current events and other topics. Latest updates can be found on the Rasmussen Reports home page.

Election 2008 coverage includes a weekly update of the Democratic and Republican Presidential nominating contests and continuous updates on general election match-ups, favorability ratings, and ideological perceptions for all Democratic and Republican candidates. Rasmussen Reports also provides continuously updated ratings for Members of Congress, Other Political Figures, and Journalists and a daily update of the President’s Job Approval.

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