Youve heard of sanctuary cities. Sounds great doesnt it? Cities that protect people. But who do they protect? Illegal immigrants from deportation or prosecution. They ignore federal immigration law. These cities undermine the federal effort to protect our country by guarding our borders.
But heres a twist. Now cities and counties declare themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries. Conservatives have taken a page out of the progressive playbook. Localities pass resolutions vowing not to enforce gun control laws that violate the Second Amendment. They believe that many laws violate the Constitutions clear language.
And increasing numbers pass these. Its become a serious movement. Over 80 counties and cities across Virginia have adopted them. Because you now what? If the lawless progressives can do it so can Constitution-loving conservatives.
Now Virginia
Virginia is the latest state to see a bunch of these resolutions. The actions were taken in response to the November elections. Democrats will hold majorities in the states Senate and House of Delegates. Very reasonably gun owners fear they will pass legislation restricting gun rights. The Virginia Citizens Defense League has taken the lead creating these sanctuaries. Founded 25 year ago the groups website declares and Guns save lives." Its work is Defending your right to defend yourself." Help us champion truth freedom limited government and human dignity. Support The Stream However most localities pass resolutions not ordinances. Resolutions like this are not binding. They may not make a difference should the gun control legislation pass. Being a sanctuary city may turn out to be only symbolic. The Rockingham County resolution is typical. The county will not use funds to enforce certain potential gun control measures. No universal background checks. No bans on high capacity magazines and assault weapons. Ignore red flag laws. The county will only enforce laws it thinks the amendment allows.
A clash would likely result in litigation with the courts deciding.
If the legislature tries to restrict gun rights and a city rejects the law theyll only settle the matter in court. A clash would require litigation with the courts deciding. The city would lose. Virginia is a Dillon Rule state. Localities are prohibited from enacting anything state law does not give them to enact.
A city or county could choose not to enforce the laws. Or the sanctuaries could make enforcing the laws a low priority. Then state and federal law enforcement could step in to enforce them.
Democrats Push Back
Not surprisingly Democratic lawmakers dont like this. They say local police who dont enforce gun control laws should be prosecuted. They even want the governor to send the National Guard after them. Governor Ralph Northam says the localities could face consequences for non-enforcement." Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin says the state should cut off their funding. Others effectively just roll their eyes. Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia Center for Politics says the resolutions are meaningless if they conflict with state law. Whatever a sanctuary city does makes no difference. If a city thinks the new laws violate the Second Amendment it should take up the matter in the courts.
Larry Sabato from the University of Virginia Center for Politics says the resolutions are meaningless if they conflict with state law.
But are these Demorats really as law-abiding as they claim to be? Gun Owners of America calls Northam a hypocrite because hes fine with sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants. In fact he vetoed legislation to eliminate sanctuary cities. Northam cant have it both ways" explains the groups executive vice president. Hes either for sanctuary counties or hes against them."
Yes to the Second Amendment
Back to Rockingham County. What did that county do? It said yes to the Second Amendment and no to any state law that denies it. Over 3000 people attended a county meeting that discussed the matter. County Supervisor Pablo Cuevas declared The Board of Supervisors hereby expresses its continued intent to uphold support and defend all rights protections and guarantees by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Constitution of the United States of America." And its not just a small movement of conservative rural areas. Its a real movement of people who want to defend the Constitution and their Constitutional rights. Almost 90 cities and counties across Virginia have adopted these resolutions. Before the November 5 election only one county in the state had done that. From one to almost 90 in just a few months. And its not just a movement in Virginia facing a hard pro-gun control Democratic legislature. Hundreds of cities and counties across the country have adopted them. Especially in states with tough gun control legislation. Other states have passed them preemptively. Former Democratic presidential candidate Beto ORourke said he wants to take peoples AR-15s away from them. Several localities in his native Texas passed Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions. Theyre not taking any chances. Other states have dealt with the threat in other ways. Some passed legislation prohibiting various levels of state government from spending funds to enforce gun control laws. They are Alaska Idaho Kansas and Wyoming.More Sanctuaries
Liberals may come to regret their sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants. It sounds like a great idea when its your favorite cause. Just say no to laws you dont like. You dont pay any cost for it and you get to shake your fist at Trump and those evil Republicans. They dont seem to have realized conservatives can do the same thing. If a liberal city can say no to the law a conservative city can say no to the law. We have a lot of issues to say no about. Already some cities have becomesanctuary cities for the unborn. They defy Roe v. Wade by banning abortion. And conservatives can say theyre standing up for the Constitution itself. And doing it in the only way they can. Follow Rachel on Twitter at Rach_IC. Follow The Stream at streamdotorg. Send tips to [email protected].