She was also known for her campaign to outlaw the smacking of children, a controversial issue in the early years of devolution, despite ministers later saying most people did not support such a ban.

BBC: Children's champion to step down

The Hispanic lobby and liberal groups loathe a proposal to ban illegal immigrants from buying health insurance from new government-run exchanges using their own money but Mr Obama and senior Democrats, fearing attacks from the xenophobic right, support such a ban.

ECONOMIST: Efforts to speed health legislation hit some snags

Though they might be willing to support proposals such as a ban on large-capacity magazines, they're unlikely to vote to ban "an actual gun, " he said.

CNN: Obama-backed gun bills considered a long shot in Congress

Mr Hume said such a ban has already gained support from a number of charities, including Children in Scotland and the British Heart Foundation.

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Professor Richard Gardner, chairman of the group that prepared the report, believes that such a ban would receive public support and increase public faith in science.

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In light of General Mundy's strong warnings, informed as they are by his own vast experience and that of nearly 1200 retired flag and general officers who have written their own open letter opposing repeal of the ban on homosexuals in the military, Senators should decline to support such a repeal.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Gen. Carl Mundy: Don't Ask, Don't Tell