Oregon BOLI accepting complaints over new gun sales limits

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – The Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries says it will accept complaints from those who believe they have been discriminated against by new policies at Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart that restrict gun sales to people 21 and older.

Commissioner Brad Avakian said in a letter to Oregon House and Senate leaders Tuesday that state law only provides for age-related exemptions for alcohol and marijuana sales.

A 20-year-old southern Oregon man has sued the retailers, alleging they discriminated against him by refusing to sell him a rifle due to his age.

Avakian says his agency believes changing state law to add an age exemption for gun purchases would be “appropriate” to make public places safer.

The bureau will present a bill to lawmakers in the 2019 legislative session.