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Iowa would have some of the most extensive gun rights guarantees in the nation under a constitutional amendment for voters to decide on Nov. 8.

Why it matters: A "yes" vote would mean all gun restrictions under the Iowa amendment would be subject to "strict scrutiny," the highest legal hurdle for legislation to clear if challenged in court.

Catch up fast: Iowa is one of six states that doesn't recognize Second Amendment rights in its state constitution.

What they're saying: The proposal goes much further than the Second Amendment, placing gun access ahead of safety and potentially blocking policies that limit them in places like school settings, Connie Ryan, executive director of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa, tells Axios.

Of note: Amendments like the one proposed in Iowa have only been adopted by three states Alabama, Louisiana, and Missouri and each was approved between eight and 10 years ago according to research published by the Iowa Law Review.

Yes, but: Gun rights advocates have already succeeded via a U.S. Supreme Court decision in June that struck down New York's concealed carry law, Richard Rogers, a board member of the Iowa Firearms Coalition, told Axios.

The intrigue: Both sides tell Axios they believe public opinion is generally on their side.

See the original post:
Iowa residents to vote on adding gun rights amendment to state constitution - Axios

In 2015, as Tony was testifying about an upcoming bill, he realized he was the only black pro-Second Amendment representative out of over 100 people. He wanted to see more representation from his community. How could he encourage minorities to not only exercise their Second Amendment rights but to get involved in advocating for them?

Tony felt a deep need to destroy negative media-driven stereotypes, but how? When he spoke with a friend about this, his friend gave him the answer he needed but didnt want at the time. He told Tony it was on him to start the movement. He needed to be about it, not talk about it.

And so began the 2A4E Diversity Shoot. According to Tony, Our mission is to introduce all people, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or background to learn about their Second Amendment rights.

The event started small in 2015 with only four people attending. Tony partnered with local gun ranges and kept showing up. Between 2015-2019 the event grew so large he had to start using tickets to avoid capacity issues. Eventually, he spread out to other ranges and added more dates. Even throughout the pandemic, Tony found ranges that continued to host. These days, Tony continues to be about it and hosts events twice a month at four ranges and in two states.

As Tony and I chatted about the issues surrounding the gun community, the common theme that came up was divisiveness. Whether it be political rhetoric, false media narratives, or in-fighting, everything seems to be aimed at separating gun owners into different groups. Of course, we all fall into certain categories and come from different backgrounds, but what does that matter if we all agree on the right to bear arms?

We agreed that the hardcore anti-gun crowd is exceptionally united. Theyre on a mission to eradicate guns, and theyll stick together no matter what. They dont want anyone to have guns regardless of gender, race, political affiliation, or other qualifications.

Its not likely well change the minds in that group, but what if we could get to those people in the middle? The ones who are uneducated about firearms and havent chosen a side yet. Certainly, some people have no gun experience, but theyre curious and just waiting for the right conversation.

As Tony and I discussed solutions, it became clear we need two things: unity and more people on our side. We need to have conversations that arent pushy or judgmental, and we must welcome everyone into the 2A community, regardless of how we feel about them.

Thats precisely what Tony Simon is doing. Hes created a safe space designed to be welcoming to everyone, including minorities and underrepresented groups who may often feel comfortable in a firearms class. Tony doesnt care if youre black, white, Asian, gay, straight, or anything else. Youre welcome at the 2A4E Diversity Shoot. As a woman who initially felt intimidated to go to the range, I can say, after talking to Tony, I would have loved to attend his class.

Tony Simons mission is to help people learn about and exercise their Second Amendment rights. Its a human right, after all, he says. His work focuses on showing people that gun laws dont make us any safer and gun owners arent crazy for wanting to protect themselves.

2A4E isnt just a brand or catchy phrase. Its a lifestyle we all, as gun owners, should be living without question. To preserve and restore our rights, we need to unite and invite more people to our side. The best way to do that is to embrace everyone, show them what the Second Amendment truly stands for, and welcome them into our community.

Here is the original post:
Growing the 2A Community: The Second Amendment Is for Everyone - Guns.com

Each candidate was asked whether she would respect the outcome of the referendum that will appear on the November ballot in Michigan, in which voters will decide whether to insert language into the state constitution guaranteeing the right to abortion.

Both said they would honor the results of the ballot initiative, and both accused the other of lying about that claim.

Shes a little confused about a constitutional amendment, because this is a governor who time and time again thought she was above the constitution of Michigan, Dixon said. I believe in the peoples right to decide.

Its really ironic when Mrs. Dixon stands here and says she will accept the will of the people, Whitmer shot back. This is a candidate who still denies the outcome of the 2020 election.

Dixon has been endorsed by former President Donald Trump and Michigans powerful DeVos family, earning her partys nomination after a GOP primary mired in chaos. After the debate, Dixon told reporters it was Americans right to question elections.

Its OK to question the results of the election. It doesnt mean that youre not going to accept the will of the people. Thats ridiculous, Dixon said.

Asked by the debates moderator to specifically define her position on abortion, Dixon said she was pro-life with exceptions for the life of the mother and did not say whether she would allow prosecutions in cases of rape or incest. She then argued that she would not have much power over the issue if elected.

A judge has already ruled in this case, Dixon said. The governor doesnt have the choice to go around a judge or a constitutional amendment.

Whitmer sharply disagreed that a governors hands are tied on the issue, noting that her lawsuit against the 1931 ban was what brought about the judges ruling.

Mrs. Dixon is either woefully under-informed about the office shes running for or shes lying to you, she said. The governor will absolutely impact these rights.

In an interview with POLITICO earlier in the week, Whitmer added that the governor has many other tools for shaping reproductive health care in the state, touting her administrations work this year allowing pharmacists to prescribe birth control and, just this week, applying for a federal Medicaid waiver to expand coverage of STD testing, contraception and other services to 25,000 low-income people who dont currently qualify.

Whitmer has led in several polls, though that lead has narrowed to the single digits in recent weeks. She has also benefited from having more robust campaign funds, according to The Associated Press.

Dixon, who acknowledged she might have been speaking to some voters for the first time, introduced herself first as a mother and as a critic of Democratic policies in education and schools.

Echoing GOP rhetoric in state races nationwide, Dixon claimed that children in Michigan were being taught sex and gender theory, and not to read, write and do math. Asked about school safety, she advocated for hardening schools and putting more armed police on campuses.

Whitmer described Dixons position on guns as dangerous.

Shell put the Second Amendment before second graders every time, the governor said.

Dixon and Whitmer are scheduled to debate again on Oct. 25.

Alice Miranda Ollstein reported from Grand Rapids, and Olivia Olander from Chicago.

See the rest here:
Michigan governor debate features accusations of lies, with abortion front and center - POLITICO

U.S. Representative Steve Chabot and Cincinnati Council Member Greg Landsman traded barbs in the final televised debate in the race for Ohios First Congressional District Thursday night.

Chabot has maintained political control over the district since 1995. Hes currently serving his 12th term in office, only losing once in 2008, to Democrat Steve Driehaus, winning the seat back in 2010. He faces one of his toughest re-election bids yet now that redrawn district boundaries include the entire city of Cincinnati.

Asked about rising gun crime across the country, Chabot cited his support for a gun regulation measure this year that only 13 other House Republicans voted for.

It not only protected schools, but it was additional background checks for younger people and the rest, Chabot said.

As for going further, though: We have a Second Amendment, its in the Constitution its not the First (Amendment) but its the Second and its very important, Chabot said. [Landsman] doesnt care about the Constitution, apparently. People have a right to defend their families in their own homes.

Landsman says constituents of the First District want more.

People want these guns gone. He is not going to do it, Landsman said. I will, as a member of Congress, ban assault weapons. I will go after these guns. And I will make it easier for police officers to get these guns out of our neighborhoods.

Listen to this question and responses:

Chabot/Landsman Debate: Gun Question

The two men repeated frequent talking points about abortion when asked: Would you support legislation banning in vitro fertilization and forms of birth control that prevent pregnancy after conception, or legislation to guarantee access to IVF and birth control?

I introduced and passed the ban on partial birth abortion years ago," Chabot said. "It's the law of the land now, most Democrats actually supported it as well. And we had exceptions for rape, incest and life of the mother.

Landsman calls Chabots position on abortion extreme, saying Chabot has also supported abortion bans without exceptions.

I will, as your member of Congress, vote to codify Roe and make sure that you have reproductive freedom. I want that for my daughter, I know you want it for your children, he said. And I will vote to protect contraception, I will vote to protect IVF, I will vote to protect marriage equality.

Listen to this question and responses:

Chabot/Landsman Debate: Reproductive Health Question

The candidates also addressed questions on the economy, housing, public safety, health care, climate change and democracy.

WVXU co-presented the debate along with CET and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. Lucy May, host of WVXUs Cincinnati Edition, moderated the event and Nick Swartsell, WVXU reporter, was on the panel.

Tune in to Cincinnati Edition Friday, Oct. 14, at noon for a segment fact-checking the statements made during Thursday's debate.

Visit link:
Chabot and Landsman talk guns, abortion and more in final debate - WVXU

On Friday, NRA-ILA filed an amicus brief in a case challenging a New York law that seeks to circumvent the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA). PLCAA codified the fundamental legal maxim that the law only holds responsible parties liable for their actions. It limits the types of lawsuits that can be brought against the gun industry by barring suits seeking monetary damages against an industry member for a third partys misuse of a firearm.

Despite PLCAA and the common law, New York officials have been bringing lawsuits against gun industry members for over 20 years now. Former New York Attorney General (who then became the states disgraced governor) Elliot Spitzers suit against Ruger was thrown out of court, and a lawsuit brought by the City of New York against Beretta suffered the same fate.

Congress enacted the [PLCAA] to stanch an epidemic of experimental tort suits attempting to hold the firearms industry liable for third parties criminal misuse of firearms, the brief reads. Dissatisfied with Congresss judgment, New York has set out to undermine the PLCAA, assuming the responsibility to correct [what it terms] federal overreach.

PLCAA is not the only firearms matter that New York lawmakers are bitter about and trying to evade these days. In June, NRA-ILA won NYSRPA v. Bruen, a landmark Second Amendment Case at the United States Supreme Court. Governor Hochul called the high courts decision a mere temporary setback, prompting the state to pass the falsely labeled Concealed Carry Improvement Act, which NRA-ILA is also challenging in federal Court.

This case is captioned National Shooting Sports Foundation v. James. It is on appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York City.

Please stay tuned towww.nraila.orgfor future updates on NRA-ILAs ongoing efforts to defend your constitutional rights.

Continued here:
NRA Files Friend of the Court Brief in NY PLCAA Case. - NRA ILA