RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – The Virginia Senate has advanced legislation that would allow authorities to take guns away from people deemed dangerous to themselves or others. The Democratic-led Senate gave preliminary approval to approved the so-called “red flag” law.

The move comes a day after tens of thousands of gun-rights activists rallied peacefully at the state Capitol. The measure is set for a final vote in the Senate before going to the House.

Republicans blasted the bill as an assault on gun rights and civil liberties. Democrats said the bill was a thoughtful measure that would preserve due process while also protecting people against potential gun violence.

Meanwhile, a West Virginia senator is inviting the National Rifle Association to move to his state as lawmakers pursue gun-control measures in neighboring Virginia, where the group now has its headquarters.

The invitation came in a Monday letter from Republican Sen. Randy Smith to NRA leadership. It said his state allows residents to carry guns without permits and lawmakers there have pushed to allow firearms on college campuses.

The NRA did not immediately comment.

Smith’s play came on the day that tens of thousands of gun-rights activists rallied at the Virginia Capitol against the Democratic leadership’s plans to institute gun-control measures.