Sunday, May 19, 2013
By Randy Billings rbillings@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer
(Continued from page 1)
Portland City Councilor Ed Suslovic
Jack Milton
Members of Maine's Open Carry Association protested the resolution by wearing their firearms while testifying against further gun controls.
The resolution passed with a 6-1 vote. But the Legislature never took up the issue. Maine's Legislature has strongly supported gun rights, and voted to loosen restrictions in the last two-year session.
"Traditionally, Maine is a state that, when it comes to protecting the Second Amendment, tends to be one of the best in the country," said Hohenwarter.
The NRA and some legislators say that more -- not fewer -- guns is the answer.
"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun," said NRA executive Wayne LaPierre on Friday.
Maine Rep. Brian Duprey, R-Hampden, has proposed legislation to allow concealed-weapons permit holders -- including teachers and school administrators -- to bring guns to schools.
Similar bills are expected to be taken up in Oklahoma, Mississippi, Minnesota, South Dakota and Oregon.
The NRA is also supporting more funding for mental health services.
While previous efforts to restrict guns have failed, Suslovic said the new Democratic majority in the Maine Legislature will be more open to the discussion, especially in light of the Sandy Hook shootings.
"I think the climate has changed, but whether it has changed enough remains to be seen," Suslovic said. "None of this is going to happen unless our federal and state officials see a groundswell of support for it, so that's something the city could do."
Staff Writer Randy Billings can be contacted at 791-6346 or at:
rbillings@pressherald.com
Twitter: @randybillings
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