The subject of ‘sanctuary cities’ and ‘sanctuary states’ is a highly charged one. People feel very strongly both about human rights issues and border control. But in this case, the term is applied to something very different from refugee and immigrant concerns – specifically gun rights. The Michigan House has introduced a resolution – called House Resolution No. 219 – that would make the Great Lakes State a ‘Second Amendment Sanctuary State’. And what does that mean exactly? Well, according to the resolution, it means Michigan would be a safe place for legal gun owners.
Why would legal gun owners need a sanctuary state?
According to the resolution, recent policies and changes in legislation “could infringe upon rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.”. Courtesy of rising gun violence and school shootings, many Democrats are calling for tighter gun regulations in states all over the country. Legislation banning open carry in certain states has already passed, and tightening regulations surrounding gun ownership has become almost commonplace in the last few years. Michigan is an open carry state. This new resolution comes as a reaction to what is perceived as growing restrictions on Second Amendment gun rights.
What does the resolution say about gun rights in Michigan?
The resolution says that “Upholding the oath of office in Michigan requires public servants to refuse to participate in the enforcement of unconstitutional restrictions on the Second Amendment and attempt to defend individuals from unlawful enforcement of such restrictions.” It then goes on to call on both state and federal agencies, along with Congress, to “vigilantly preserve and protect’’ Second Amendment rights. And how exactly does the resolution propose that lawmakers protect these gun rights here in Michigan? By “rejecting any provision, law or regulation that may infringe, or have the tendency to infringe, or place any additional burdens on the right of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms.’”
What happens now, and what difference will it make?
Copies of the sanctuary state resolution will be sent to the President of the US Senate, the Speaker of the House, and all members of the Michigan Congressional delegation. As for what will happen next, the truth is, no one knows. Gun violence is a significant problem in the U.S., but will taking people’s gun rights away solve that problem? Some people say yes, and some people say no. Who is right? Again – that depends on who you ask. It’s an extremely complex issue, and one that’s very hard to debate because people are deeply emotionally invested in their opinions.
Will being accused of a crime in Michigan jeopardize your gun rights?
Technically, no. Being accused of a crime doesn’t mean you’re guilty. But being convicted of a crime is a completely different kettle of fish. Being convicted of a crime means that you’ve been determined to be guilty of that crime by a court, and that makes it harder to get a license to carry a gun in Michigan. So if you or a friend have been charged with a crime and you’re hoping for the best outcome in your case, and you want to fight to preserve your gun rights, call The Kronzek firm at 866 766 5245. Our aggressive and hard-working gun crime defense attorneys are available round the clock to help you defend your rights.