Today, there are over 60% of America’s counties declared as 2A Sanctuaries according to sanctuarycounties.com.  Iowa has been lacking performance in this realm, until recently.  We’ve had some forward-thinking and civil rights-oriented county leadership step forward in Iowa and affirm their county citizen’s rights.  IFC is excited to see this come to fruition.  We blogged about this over a year ago, and distributed sample language far and wide for consideration.  Many counties are taking the sample language and running with it.

Please understand.  There are lots of laws and regulations out there, so the more specific you make your county’s resolution, the more chance there is for a conflict somewhere with something.  This is a solemn reminder we’ve got too many laws and too much government.  Some counties are seeking to avoid any kind of conflict with the Iowa Code by aiming their opposition to further restrictions of this fundamental right squarely at the Federal Government.  Some are simply making a statement that they support the Second Amendment and oppose further regulation.  No matter where you fall, as a constituent or county, know the more complex and complicated you make a resolution, the easier it is for someone to misinterpret your intent.

We’ve offered this sample language so your county can declare its support for the Second Amendment and doesn’t support further curtailments on a fundamental civil right.  Here it is:

Sample Language:

RESOLUTION DECLARING YOUR COUNTY TO BE A SECOND AMENDMENT SANCTUARY COUNTY

WHEREAS, the right of the people to keep and bear arms is guaranteed as an individual right under the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, “A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” and

WHEREAS, the right of the people to keep and bear arms for the defense of life, liberty, and property is regarded as an inalienable right by the people of YOUR County, Iowa; and

WHEREAS, the people of YOUR County, Iowa derive economic benefit from all safe forms of firearms recreation, hunting, and shooting conducted within YOUR County using all types of firearms allowable under the United States Constitution and the laws of the State of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, the YOUR County Board of Supervisors was elected to represent the citizens of YOUR County, and have sworn by their Oath of Office to uphold the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, Iowa State Senators and State Representatives have also sworn by their Oath of Office to uphold the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Iowa; and

WHEREAS, legislation is currently being considered and expected to be proposed by both the Iowa State Legislature and Federal Legislature that potentially seeks to infringe on the constitutionally protected right of citizens to keep and bear arms; and

WHEREAS, it is desirable to declare that YOUR County is a Second Amendment Sanctuary County, as YOUR County opposes the enactment of any legislation that would infringe upon the constitutional right of the people of YOUR County to keep and bear arms.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the YOUR County Board of Supervisors hereby declares YOUR County to be a Second Amendment Sanctuary County, and hereby states its opposition to the enactment of any legislation that would infringe upon the constitutional right of the people of YOUR County to keep and bear arms.

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