By Mary Meadows Appalachian Newspapers
Jan 15, 2020
There was loud applause and a few “Amens” in the Johnson County Fiscal Courtroom on Monday, as county leaders approved a resolution declaring the county as a “Second Amendment Sanctuary.”
The unanimous vote adopting the resolution was largely symbolic, as explained by Judge-Executive Mark McKenzie prior to the vote.
“Let me also say this, that this is a consideration of a resolution that shows the support of the Johnson County Fiscal Court for the Second Amendment of our nation’’s Constitution. It’s that simple. That’s what this resolution does,” McKenzie said. “It shows support for the Second Amendment of our Constitution.”
“Amen,” an audience member said.
McKenzie continued, explaining that county governments cannot pass laws that conflict with state or federal laws.
“A resolution shows support for a particular issue, but understand it does not create, nor does it amend existing laws, okay,” he said. “It will show support, if it passes, it will show support for a particular issue, this being, obviously, the Second Amendment. A resolution is not an ordinance, nor is it law.”
He emphasized that the resolution also does not change existing laws or restrictions on having guns in the judicial center, schools or businesses that are permitted by law to restrict firearms.
“This resolution doesn’t change that,” McKenzie said.
There was standing-room only available in the courtroom and officials reported some attendees started showing up an hour before the meeting started.
Prior to the vote, McKenzie requested a motion to limit discussions on the topic to two minutes from one person supporting the resolution and two minutes from one person opposing it. The fiscal court granted that motion, and only one person, Zachary Ebersole, representing Kentucky United-Johnson County, spoke publicly prior to the vote. One woman said she wanted to hear the resolution prior to commenting, but no opposition was presented at the meeting.
“It’s the Second Amendment. It’s been around for hundreds of years. There’s no need for infringement. There’s no need for all these bully, foolish laws. That’s not going to help us. It’s not going to help against criminals. Criminals are going to find a way, plain and simple, that’s all there is to it. The only person you’re hurting is us,” Ebersole told the fiscal court.
The resolution states that the fiscal court is “concerned about the passage of any bill containing language which could be interpreted as infringing the rights” of county residents to keep and bear arms,” and that the fiscal court expresses opposition to any law that would “unconstitutionally restrict the rights” of residents to have guns.
A loud applause erupted in the courtroom after the resolution was approved. A couple of people shouted, “Amen.” … to read the full article click here.
