(BEDFORD) – Petitions to have Lawrence County recognized as a Second Amendment Sanctuary have been placed at several locations throughout Lawrence County.
The locations include:
- Springville Store
- Johnny Junxions
- Army Surplus
- Revere’s
- Tractor Supply
- American Legion Post # 33
- VFW – Oolitic
- Smoke Shack
A group of concerned supporters of the Second Amendment has started the movement.
The goal is to have Lawrence County recognized as a Second Amendment Sanctuary. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.”
Section 32, of the Constitution of Indiana, declares, “the people shall have a right to bear arms, for the defense of themselves and the State.”
Many legislators are pushing for and enacting laws on firearms; regulations, restrictions, banning certain styles, red flag laws, just to name a few. The 2A Sanctuary Movement says every law they put forth goes against the United States Constitution, which supersedes all other laws.
The 2A Sanctuary Movement says they are working to protect the rights of Lawrence County citizens, from those who wish to take those rights away.
The movement has been building momentum across Indiana for some time. Franklin, Jennings, and Switzerland Counties are awaiting hearings with their Board of Commissioners. Other counties such as Lawrence County are just getting started but say that they are already making headway.
The group’s first hurdle is getting enough signatures to present to the Lawrence County Commissioners, showing them that the people of Lawrence County want this.
The goal is to obtain approximately 10,000 signatures, and the petitions have been placed at the above locations throughout Lawrence County with more locations being added.
The Lawrence County 2A Movement will be holding a meeting to discuss where they are at and the next steps that will be taken.
The group will be seeking volunteers for upcoming events and activities. Anyone wanting to help attend the meeting scheduled at the White River Bowhunters Club on Saturday, February 8th at 11 a.m. This is located between Bedford and Mitchell 4.7 miles from the Indiana State Road 37 and U.S. 50 junction. Turn west at Tieman Tire go 1.7 miles and the club is on the left.
The movement began in Indiana following the debate on gun control in the Indiana Legislature. There is are not any gun laws on the Republican agenda but possibly proposed firearm bills.
“I am confident that there are going to be a lot of Hoosiers that might disagree but I ask them to take their time and read the bill,” said Democratic State Senator Greg Taylor.
He said the proposal is common sense.
“We have seen an uptick in tragedies,” explained Taylor.
He believes a law that would prohibit bump stocks, and he says that increasing the age to buy a rifle from 18 to 21 would help.
Currently, people 18 and older can buy a rifle but have to be 21 to buy a handgun with a smaller magazine.
“So, I think that ironic and something we need to change,” said Taylor.
Another Democratic Senator, Mark Stoops is working on a bill that requires safe storage.
“If you have a gun in your home and you think it can be accessed by a child or somebody who is legally not supposed to have guns, then you need to have it locked,” said Stoops. Under this bill, gun owners could face up to two and a half years in prison if they fail to keep guns locked and it results in injury and death.
He also wants a new universal background law.
“It actually fixes a loophole where private parties can buy and sell guns between themselves bypassing the background check requirement,” said Stoops.
Republicans are proposing firearms bills too. One would increase the penalties for juvenile delinquents who commit gun-related crimes. Another has already passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. This law would allow retired law enforcement officers to carry firearms on school property.
Part of this information was obtained from our news partner FOX 59 News.
