Misinformation Outlasts Virginia Gun Bill

Misinformation about a Virginia bill that would have banned the sale of “assault firearms” continues to circulate online — even after the bill has been tabled for a year.

Virginia Bill Wouldn’t Criminalize Criticism

Online headlines falsely claim that Virginia lawmakers want to make criticizing state officials a “criminal offense.” The bill doesn’t create new offenses. It would merely allow cases of threats or harassment against some state officials to be prosecuted in Richmond.

Erroneous Claim of ‘End of Youth Hunting’ in Virginia

Posts on Facebook wrongly claim that Virginia has “announced the end of youth hunting.” The state’s Department of Game & Inland Fisheries confirmed that there have been “no such changes” in state laws, and scheduled youth hunting days remain on the calendar.

Cantor Mislabels Opponent, The Sequel:

A new ad from House Republican Leader Eric Cantor again misrepresents his primary opponent’s role on a state economic forecasting board, and this time misappropriates our credibility by citing a story in which we dinged Cantor for twisting the facts.