Is Gun Control Dead in Tennessee?
Jose Nino
|
In the wake of the Covenant School mass shooting in late March, gun controllers have tried everything possible to pass gun control in Tennessee.
However, chances to pass gun control have largely dissipated due to strong opposition from State House and Senate Republicans. They are specifically opposing Governor Bill Lee’s red flag gun confiscation proposal that would empower law enforcement to confiscate firearms from individuals who pose a threat to themselves or others.
“Tennesseans are asking us to set aside politics and personal pride,” Lee stated in a video on April 19, 2023.
GOP House Caucus Chairman Jeremy Faison suggested that Lee entertain the idea of calling a special session late on to address the matter, asserting that he doesn’t believe there is the political will to pass the legislation in the short-term.
“Any red flag law is a non-starter,” the House GOP caucus tweeted on April 19 “Our caucus is focused on finding solutions that prevent dangerous individuals from harming the public and preserve the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.”
Gun rights organizations such as the Tennessee Firearms Association believe that Lee’s proposal demonstrates “callous disregard of the United States Supreme Court and the Constitution.”
Due to total Republican domination of the state legislature (75-24 in the state House and 27-6 in the State Senate), gun control legislation will likely die. However, Republicans can’t always be trusted so gun owners in the state should always remain vigilant.
As one of the most pro-gun states in the Union, Tennessee can’t afford to fall for the Siren Song of gun control.
Share: