Our government is stabilized by each of three branches having equal power with the others. Now the supermajority in the Utah Legislature wants unilateral power to dictate to all branches of Utah government and the federal government, as well.
Club Q was a tragedy that might have been prevented if El Paso County hadn’t ignored state gun laws through their “Second Amendment Sanctuary” claim. In 2021, the Club Q shooter was identified as a risk. Under Colorado state law, the El Paso County police could have petitioned a judge to have the perpetrator prohibited from purchasing or owning firearms. They chose not to take this protective measure. A year later, five people were killed and 17 injured in a mass shooting by this individual.
Rep. Karianne Lisonbee is sponsoring a bill (HB219) in the Utah Legislature to prohibit state law enforcement from enforcing or cooperating with federal enforcement of gun laws. Although proponents have dubbed this effort a “Second Amendment Sanctuary,” it is, in fact, nothing short of illegal nullification of the U.S. Constitution’s Supremacy Clause. While this kind of “message” legislation appeases a small very loud minority of Utahns, just like in Colorado El Paso County, it is absolutely a precursor to increased gun violence in Utah.
Polling after polling shows that Utahns want gun regulations that promote responsible gun ownership and curb the growing public health crisis of gun violence. Instead, the majority of Republicans in the Legislature appear to be more interested in protecting irresponsible and crime seeking gun owners. If you care about gun violence, contact your state Representative and ask them to vote “No” on H.B. 219.
Terri Gilfillan, Sandy