Mary Fallin on Gun ControlRepublican | |
Her veto of the gun bill dealt a rare blow to the National Rifle Association in a conservative state. But the proposal to authorize adults to carry firearms without a permit or training was opposed by law enforcement officials, who said it would weaken background checks and hurt public safety.
In a statement announcing her veto, Fallin stressed her support for the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms and noted she had signed concealed and open carry measures in the past. "I believe the firearms laws we currently have in place are effective, appropriate and minimal," she said. The bill is similar to so-called "constitutional carry" legislation adopted in a dozen other states.
The NRA blasted Fallin for what it said was ignoring her promise when she ran for re-election in 2014 to support a constitutional carry gun law.
Tulsa World analysis: A state lawmaker citing extensively from the Bible urged churchgoers and other people of faith to arm themselves against "knuckleheads" and "evil people" as a bill extending stand-your-ground immunity to places of worship passed the Oklahoma House. "Why should we give an open shooting gallery to whoever wants to come in and do whatever they will?" Rep. John Bennett. "It clearly states in the Bible to defend ourselves.... Jesus was not a pacifist."
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 42-1-4 on Apr/12/18; Passed House 68-24-8 on Apr/30/18; Signed by Governor Mary Fallin on May/7/18
The Second Amendment means exactly what it says, and I will defend the right of every law-abiding citizen to own guns. Responsible gun ownership is a basic right, and I will never vote for legislation that abridges that right.
I am a member in good standing with the NRA.
Establishes a national standard for the carrying of concealed firearms (other than a machinegun or destructive device) by non-residents. Authorizes a person who has a valid permit to carry a concealed firearm in one state and who is not prohibited from carrying a firearm under federal law to carry a concealed firearm in another state:
Prohibits the Secretary of Defense from implementing any policy that would prevent or place undue restriction on the sale of intact spent military small arms ammunition casings to domestic manufacturers of small arms ammunition that are approved under trade security controls.