Second Amendment forces came together in Michigan last week to attempt a historic milestone—they would make the state the 30th to codify constitutional carry in the U.S.
Proponents want to end the current regime that requires law-abiding state residents to ask for the government’s permission before exercising their right to keep and bear arms. North Carolina’s push to join the ranks as the 30th entry is currently in limbo.
Arbitrary barriers to exercising 2A rights may fall in Michigan
Rep. Jay DeBoyer (R), the bill’s sponsor, told the media that critics who charge that the change would eliminate the current firearm training requirement miss the point entirely.
“For the government of the state of Michigan to tell that—that we have to be qualified under the guise of their rules in order to protect ourselves—is a far cry from what the Constitution provides for us,” DeBoyer explained.
The arbitrary nature of the current law is not lost on another co-sponsor of the constitutional carry bill, Rep. Jim DeSana (R). He correctly noted that other enumerated rights, such as the freedoms of speech and worship, do not require a state permission slip.
Anti-gunners defend barriers between upstanding citizens and possessing firearms
That Michigan permission currently carries a $100 fee.
Of course, anti-Second Amendment outfit Giffords defended the present practice of essentially qualifying to exercise a fundamental freedom. Jonathan Hold is president of Giffords Gun Owners for Safety in Michigan.
He told reporters, “The first thing they do is put you in a classroom, make sure you know all proper range and safety procedures, [and] run you over what the law states about when and if you’re allowed to use your firearm.”
While gun rights advocates lead the charge to ensure public safety, they do not agree with the state’s mandatory hoops. Constitutional carry is a long-overdue national policy, and there’s a bill in Congress to establish that essential freedom.
But until the federal government adopts the National Constitutional Carry Act or something similar, it is the states’ responsibility to protect their citizens’ rights.
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