HALIFAX COUNTY, Va. – A local state delegate is trying to help prevent Second Amendment sanctuaries from having to follow state gun laws.
Delegate James Edmunds, who represents Halifax County, is bringing a new idea to the table, saying it’s a intra-state issue and localities should be able to ignore new gun laws if they want to.
Four weeks ago, prior to this year’s election we had never heard of a second amendment sanctuary, but now it’s hard to look anywhere and not see something about it.
Looking at a map, the issue is clear. Localities voting for second amendment sanctuaries are primarily rural communities, and as a now democratic controlled state government ponders new gun laws, Edmunds said that’s the rub.
“It’s become a dividing line, very clear. My thought was this bill would give those of us who don’t want any further restrictions, give us something to get behind, to fight for, versus just being really angry," Edmunds said.
As reported by 10 News, more than 40 localities across the state have passed ordinances over the past few weeks saying they will not enforce new gun laws being proposed or stating their disagreement with the state government.
Delegate Edmunds plans to introduce a bill during the upcoming General Assembly session that would give Second Amendment sanctuaries immunity from any of the proposed gun laws that pass.
“It’s a way to give localities the option to do what they feel is normal and okay and not cause further divisiveness. I think that’s really important right now,” Edmunds said.
He said it’s a urban versus rural issue depending on the part of the state that you live in.
“It gives the localities that say hey, leave us alone, we’re OK, don’t impose any more things on us and we’ll get along fine," Edmunds said. "And it gives those localities that want further gun control, it gives them the option to implement what the state may pass or not pass.”
Edmunds said it would be a win-win for both sides by preventing a stalemate and that he has support for the bill from other legislators, but also wants democratic input.
If the bill does not pass, he will bring it up again in the next legislative session.