Imagine having to pay a “protest tax” or “church registration fee” to exercise fundamental constitutional rights. Civil libertarians would rightly howl that the Bill of Rights is not up for sale and that these freedoms apply equally to every law-abiding citizen.
That’s not the case with the Second Amendment in multiple jurisdictions, as upstanding gun owners are required to dip into their wallets and pay to exercise individual rights.
New Jersey is one such state, requiring gun owners to fork over a fee simply to exercise the freedom to keep and bear arms. However, a second locality announced that it will eliminate the local portion of the contentious fee and begin refunding money to those already caught in the web of gun control.
Two NJ municipalities took a stand against concealed carry tax
Cresskill revealed the plan to nip the carry fee following a similar action by Readington Township.
Current New Jersey law requires applicants for a carry permit to pay $200, of which $150 is allocated to the local government and the remaining $50 to the State Police. Cresskill leaders decided to take a stand against the state’s obvious infringement on personal liberties.
More leaders should act against government overreach in gun rights
Those who have already paid their fees may apply to get the local portion refunded to them.
It is refreshing to see lawmakers forcefully respond to what amounts to taxation of a constitutional right. There is no justification for placing an undue burden on a freedom that is clearly spelled out in the Bill of Rights, and other New Jersey localities should follow suit.
This would send a strong signal to state leaders that fundamental liberties are not to be trampled upon. If enough municipalities join the march against this gun control scheme, a strong message will be sent up the political ladder.
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