Editor’s note: This commentary is by House Minority Leader Don Turner, R-Milton, with help from the members of the House Republican Caucus.
[T]he people have a right to bear arms for the defense of themselves and the State” are words Vermonters have lived by since July 8, 1777. Now, nearly two and half centuries later, this founding principle is being challenged by S.141.
Vermonters, first in our own state Constitution, and later in the American Bill of Rights, have always understood and preserved our right to protect ourselves without infringement from government – local, state or federal.
Our respect for firearms and the Vermonters who own them is part of what has made Vermont what it is today – one of the safest states in the country.
Most Vermonters, in a time when the state is facing a cost of living crisis and struggling to provide economic opportunities, may be wondering why the Legislature is wasting time wrestling over legislation that will impede their constitutional right. The answer is simple. Tens of thousands of dollars in special interest money from outside of Vermont has poured into campaigns of those in the majority party and in marketing efforts designed to scare constituents into believing we have a gun violence problem in the state. We do not.
We should encourage Vermonters to seek emotional help when they need it, not to avoid it because of the potential long-term impacts. Why would an avid hunter reach out for emotional support when doing so jeopardizes their ability to enjoy a sport they love?
This is not legislation advanced by the people of Vermont. It’s legislation pushed by special interest groups seeking to use our state as a pawn to advance their own national agenda.
Proponents of S.141 will argue that the bill will keep weapons out of the hands of individuals with mental health issues, thus making Vermont safer. This assertion is not only unfounded, but offensive to individuals who have ever struggled with even minor mental health challenges. At a time when public discourse around mental health issues is finally starting to take place in a meaningful way, the majority in Montpelier is choosing to stigmatize the very group we should be supporting.
We should encourage Vermonters to seek emotional help when they need it, not to avoid it because of the potential long-term impacts. Why would an avid hunter reach out for emotional support when doing so jeopardizes their ability to enjoy a sport they love?
For our returning veterans who may exhibit symptoms of PTSD, hunting on the family farm or shooting skeet at the local club can provide an important outlet. This legislation ensures that the very men and women we have entrusted to protect our rights overseas, aren’t even afforded a constitutional right here at home if they seek counseling to process the experience of combat.
Penalizing people for trying to do the right thing isn’t productive and isn’t good public policy. And it’s even worse when it infringes on our constitutional rights.
This legislation isn’t about a safer Vermont. It’s about limiting your rights as Vermonters and Americans, and paying political debts for campaign contributions from outside interest groups.
House Republicans will be standing up for nearly 250 years of tradition. We ask you to stand with us in protecting the right to bear arms for future generations.