When Kim Rhode won bronze in this year’s women’s skeet shooting event at the Rio Olympics, she did what only five other athletes—and no women—have ever done before. Rhode had medaled in six different Olympic Games, something not even Michael Phelps has accomplished. But when the smoke cleared and she stepped down from the podium, Rhode was largely ignored by the media because of her chosen sport and her pro-gun stance.
Now Rhode is back in the spotlight, this time for her beliefs. She’s taking to the web to help defend the Second Amendment as the face of an ad campaign from the Coalition for Civil Liberties, aimed at defeating Proposition 63 in California. The legislation would require background checks and sales-record keeping on anyone buying ammunition within the state. It would also ban magazines that hold more than ten rounds of ammo.
Rhode is arguing that the measure will not only hurt competitive shooters, but women who would like to learn to shoot.
“It’s a fact: Harsh gun laws like Proposition 63 are not the answer,” Rhode said. “They only hurt law-abiding people and do nothing to stop terrorists. Proposition 63 takes away the rights of tens of thousands of gun owners across California.”
Rhode reportedly shoots at least 800 shells a day to maintain her skills. Prop 63 would require excessive restrictions on her ammo purchases, although she could buy rounds at a shooting range without the hassle—provided the shells never leave the range in her possession.
The three 30-second ads were commissioned by the Coalition for Civil Liberties, a campaign committee of the NRA’s California affiliate, the California Rifle and Pistol Association. Check out one of the ads below.