NYS Senator Kathleen Marchione Opposes Restrictive, Unconstitutional New Gun Control Legislation

For Immediate Release: January 14, 2013

Contact: (518) 455-2381, marchione@nysenate.gov                                              

 NYS SENATOR KATHLEEN MARCHIONE: TONIGHT’S GUN CONTROL LEGISLATION WEAKENS THE SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS OF NEW YORKERS, CRACKING DOWN ON CRIMINALS AND ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE SOLE FOCUS

Senator Marchione keeps her promise and votes “NO” on restrictive new gun control; will launch an on-line petition to repeal and replace package’s restrictive gun control measures, asks Second Amendment supporters to stand strong – and stand with her

Statement from New York State Senator Kathleen A. Marchione (R,C-Halfmoon)

            “Tonight, the Second Amendment Constitutional freedoms of every New Yorker were weakened by passage of restrictive new gun control.  As shortsighted as the new gun control policy is, the hasty process used to adopt it was even worse.  It was a shame that a Message of Necessity was used to rush this important measure through without a single public hearing or the proper time to carefully review the bill and consider alternatives.  This is not how democracy is supposed to function.  More time, more discussion, more dialog would have allowed our constituents to have a greater voice in this process and for legislators to hold town hall meetings and hear directly from the people they serve. 

            Law-abiding citizens are NOT the issue: millions of New Yorkers own firearms and do so safely, responsibly and legally.  The real issue, the real threat, is criminals having guns and the seriously mentally ill obtaining access to guns.  If tonight’s legislation focused solely on these issues, I would have voted yes.  However, along with strengthening Kendra’s Law, enacting Mark’s Law, providing funding to further secure our schools, and cracking down on illegal guns – all of which are good ideas I strongly support – the bill contained restrictive new gun control that could weaken the Second Amendment.  That is something I will not support. 

The vote tonight is only the beginning of an important debate.  I believe we need to repeal and replace parts of tonight’s legislation and keep the sections pertaining to increased penalties on criminals, use of illegal guns, securing our schools and addressing the seriously mentally ill.  However, I cannot do it alone: I need Second Amendment supporters to stand strong and stand with me.  I will be launching an on-line legislative petition on my Senate page to build public support for repealing and replacing the restrictive provisions passed tonight.   

If every New Yorker who supports the Second Amendment makes their voices heard we can forge a true public safety remedy without curtailing the Second Amendment.  This is no time to sit on the sidelines: every gun owner, hunter, sportsman and supporter of the Second Amendment must get involved.  If you’ve been e-mailing, writing and calling, then keep doing so.  If you are not registered to vote, get registered.  Now is the time to be heard.”

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