Gun laws always incite a debate. Louisiana is considered a pro-gun state. Here are four quotes from the state’s heated gun control debate.
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1. “We need to make sure those who are responsible, lawfully have the ability to protect themselves and their families. But there needs to be some responsibility on those individuals intentionally or recklessly doing harm to others,” Louisiana State Rep. Jeff Thompson
said to the New Orleans Times-Picayune (nola.com). who is an avid hunter and National Rifle Association member.
2. Some lawmakers in Louisiana have attempted to pass laws that are already addressed at the federal level. The federal government takes issue with such instances.
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana Dana J. Boente noted that under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, "No state may pass a statute criminalizing the exercise of federal responsibilities."
"The federal government remains committed to working with our state and local partners to make our communities safer by addressing public safety and national security issues that are of both state and federal concern," Boente
said to the Times-Picayune.
3. Changes in laws spark fear, especially when talk of a ban circulates.
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"There's a lot of concern over gun bans, ammunition sales tax increases and gun tax increases," gun show director Shawn Bean
said to WDSU-TV regarding talk concerning an assault weapons bans. “Law-abiding citizens we're going to abide by the law, and if we don't have a gun and the criminal does, we're on unequal footing. The object is not to shoot to kill; it's to survive, protect your loved ones and get away safely."
4. On the heels of the Newtown, Conn. shooting in 2012, more and more people began arming themselves. Gun shop owner Jim McClain, who sells firearms in Baton Rouge, even ran out of parking spaces at his store. In light of the school shooting, he commented on the surge of business.
"There's just a wide variety of people that come in here and here different things or read it on the internet. Kinda come in half-cocked and don't know way to go,"
said McClain to WBRZ-TV.
McClain speculated that fear of government restriction, sparked by the school shooting, was bringing people out to purchase firearms.
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws before purchasing or traveling with a firearm.
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