But opponents said they feared a government requirement to lock up guns is a step toward limiting gun ownership itself.

It is a way to push the ball further against lawful gun owners, said Mark Freeouf.

And Freeouf wondered how the city would enforce the requirement without violating search and seizure laws.

He suggested this was pure politics, a way to get a political base excited for an election.

Jeff Schaffart of Omaha, who was shot during the 2007 Von Maur shooting in Omaha when a teen used a semi-automatic rifle he took from an unlocked closet, told the council an ordinance requiring safe storage of guns could possibly have averted that tragedy.

"Place responsibility where it belongs," he told the council, referring to gun owners.

This is not about Second Amendment rights. This is about forcing people to be responsible gun owners, said Judy King, who supports a safe gun ordinance.

But opponents said the issue was not a public safety or health issue, but a way to control gun ownership.

Obesity is the leading cause of disease and death, with a cost of over $190 billion a year, said Dave Kendle, who opposes city restrictions on gun owners.