Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder vetoed a gun bill on Thursday that placed gun rights activists and anti-domestic violence organizations in opposition.

Snyder made a rare move for a Republican state and acted against the National Rifle Association, according to CNN.

The bill would have allowed those with restraining orders–as a result of domestic violence or stalking allegations–to have guns and qualify for Michigan's concealed permit applications if the restraining orders did not restrict their access to firearms.

"We simply can't and won't take the chance of exposing domestic abuse victims to additional violence or intimidation," Snyder said.

"There are certainly some reforms that can improve the way Michigan issues concealed pistol licenses and we support the rights of law-abiding firearm owners, but it's crucial that we leave in place protections for people who already have endured challenges and abuse."

The NRA called the domestic violence groups' concerns "false assertion" and urged members to contact Snyder to get him to sign the bill.

"Simply put, if an individual is a domestic-abuser and has been charged or convicted as such, or a judge has made a determination that the individual should not be allowed to purchase or possess a firearm, that person will be prohibited from receiving a concealed pistol license under [the bill]," the NRA said.

Former Arizona congresswoman Gabby Giffords, who survived a gunshot to the head back in 2011, wrote to Snyder asking him to veto the bill, according to the Huffington Post.

"Domestic violence and access to firearms are a lethal combination, and this policy undermines the safety of American women," Giffords wrote. 

After the veto, Giffords thanked Gov. Snyder and said, "This bill would have made it easier for domestic abusers and stalkers to get their hands on guns."