By: David Tripp
14 Feb 2020
Verification Citation/Source: Smith County Board of Commissioners
Resolution date passed: 14 Feb 2020
Vote Count: Unanimous
Resolution No. 02-2020-05
WHEREAS, the Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of our nation; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Smith County, Tennessee recognize their duty as law-abiding citizens to act in accordance with the U.S. Constitution and the Tennessee Constitution; and
WHEREAS, the Second Amendment to the United States Constitution, adopted in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, protects the inalienable and individual right of the people to keep and bear arms; and
WHEREAS, the Tennessee Constitution, Article I, Section 26, declares: “That the citizens of this state have a right to keep and to bear arms for their common defense; but the Legislature shall have power, by law, to regulate the wearing of arms with a view to prevent crime”; and
WHEREAS, the United States Supreme Court has affirmed an individual’s right to possess firearms, unconnected with service in a militia, for traditionally lawful purposes, such as self-defense within the home; and
WHEREAS, Smith County Board of Commissioners each took an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and the laws which are deemed constitutional by a court of competent jurisdiction; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Smith County Commission to declare its support of the United States Constitution and the Second Amendment to protect the inalienable and individual right to keep and bear arms; and
WHEREAS, the Smith County Commission opposes any federal or state law that infringes on a citizen’s Second Amendment right to bear arms and encourage our representatives at both the state and federal level to refrain from supporting any such legislation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Smith County Legislative Body has declared Smith County to be a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County” with all rights and responsibilities so entitled, furthermore, We the People of Smith County, Tennessee, through this resolution hereby declare our rights, our freedom, and our liberty as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States of America.
Approved and adopted this 10th day of February 2020.
