Town Sued for Requiring Residents to Own Guns

Newser ^ | 05/18/2013 | By Ruth Brown, Newser Staff

[Responsibility2nd]

Officials in Nelson, Georgia, say law is mostly symbolic

 

(Newser) – The tiny town of Nelson, Georgia, is facing a court battle after passing a law that requires all households to own a gun and ammunition. The DC-based Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence had filed a federal lawsuit against the town on the grounds that the law, which was passed in April, is unconstitutional, and violates the 1st and 14th Amendments, reports CNN. "Forcing residents to buy guns they do not want or need won’t make the City of Nelson or its people any safer, and only serves to increase gun sales and gun industry profits," said a spokesman in a statement.

But town leaders say the law is largely symbolic, is not actually being enforced, and anyone who opposes gun ownership on moral or religious grounds can opt out, reports Fox News. Advocates of the law say it's more of a statement about the lax police protection offered to the 1,300-resident town, and a protest against the push toward stricter gun control at a federal level.

 

 

[Timber Rattler]

So, exactly what standing does the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence have to sue the town? Is it an injured party under that specific law?

[Spartan302]

Tax those whose refuse to own guns, or better yet require a $1,000,000 insurance policy, just for being volunteer victims.

[Windflier]

Are any of these Brady Bunchers from Nelson, GA? Has anyone who actually lives in Nelson, GA complained about this statute?

If not, the BBs need to butt out and mind their own damn business.

[pax_et_bonum]

Tax those whose refuse to own guns, or better yet require a $1,000,000 insurance policy, just for being volunteer victims.
___________________

“volunteer victims” = oddly amusing

:-)

[CardeadInKy]

Just call it a “tax”. No different than requiring everyone to purchase health care!

[AnAmericanMother]

They'd have to find some local resident to spearhead the lawsuit (that person's name will be mud in Nelson).

It's the same as the whining atheist who objects to the singing of Christmas carols . . . they do the damage and then they're run out of town, but the damage is still done.