SCOTUS Resolution Update

August 1, 2008

 

Unfortunately, the senate decided not to take part in the resolution offered by Rep. George Peterson recognizing the Heller decision and so it was offered as a House resolution only. The resolution was amended to remove the references to Article XVII of the Massachusetts Constitution because the U.S. Supreme Court didn't rule on that matter. After being amended, the House voted 115 - 40 to approve the resolution! A very strong showing for the recognition of the Second Amendment Ruling.

 

Amended Resolution Language

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects an individual’s civil right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects an individual civil right to use arms for traditionally lawful purposes; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects the lawful use of arms for self-defense within the home; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the core lawful purpose of the Second Amendment is self defense; and

Whereas, The term firearm used in this resolution is a generic term not specific to any class of guns; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Massachusetts General Court joins in the opinion of the United States Supreme Court and officially recognizes that the Second Amendment to the Constitution does protect an individual civil right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia and protects an individual civil right to use arms for traditionally lawful purposes and protects the lawful use of arms for self-defense within the home and officially recognizes that the core lawful purpose of the Second Amendment to the Constitution is self defense; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted forthwith by the Clerk of the House of Representatives to Gun Owners’ Action League.

 

 

 

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GOAL Files Resolution Recognizing SCOTUS Ruling

 

(Click here to view sponsor list.)

 

State Representative George Peterson has file a joint resolution (House & Senate) on behalf of Gun Owners' Action League to recognize and acknowledge the June 26, 2008 Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) ruling on the Second Amendment. (See SCOTUS Heller Case Decision)

 

"This Resolution is a very important step in beginning to reverse the long history of the persecution and ill-treatment of lawful gun owners in the Commonwealth," said Jim Wallace Executive Director of GOAL. "Correcting over three decades of discrimination and abuse won't happen overnight, but at least we seem to be on that path now."

 

GOAL is urging all of our members to contact their state senators and representatives and ask them to sign onto this resolution. They may do so by contacting Rep. George Peterson's office (617-722-2100) before 5:00 pm Wednesday, July 16, 2008 and request that their name be attached to the resolution.

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Resolution Language

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects an individual’s civil right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects an individual civil right to use arms for traditionally lawful purposes; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the Second Amendment to the Constitution protects the lawful use of arms for self-defense within the home; and

Whereas, On Thursday, June 26, 2008 the Supreme Court of the United States affirmed that the core lawful purpose of the Second Amendment is self defense; and

Whereas, The term firearm used in this resolution is a generic term not specific to any class of guns; now therefore be it

Resolved, That the Massachusetts General Court joins in the opinion of the United States Supreme Court and officially recognizes that the Second Amendment to the Constitution and Article XVII Part of the First of the Massachusetts Constitution does protect an individual civil right to possess a firearm unconnected with service in a militia and protects an individual civil right to use arms for traditionally lawful purposes and protects the lawful use of arms for self-defense within the home and officially recognizes that the core lawful purpose of the Second Amendment to the Constitution and Article XVII Part of the First of the Massachusetts Constitution is self defense; and be it further

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be transmitted forthwith by the Clerk of the House of Representatives to Gun Owners’ Action League.

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The following are the legislators who have signed on to the resolution:

 

Sponsor: Rep. George Peterson

 

Senator Robert Hedlund

Senator Bruce Tarr

Senator Michael Knapik

Senator James Timilty

Senator Stephen Brewer

 

Rep. Jeff Perry

Rep. Brad Jones

Rep. Christine Canavan

Rep. James Miceli

Rep. Paul Frost

Rep. Stephen Canessa

Rep. David Sullivan

Rep. Todd Smola

Rep. F.Jay Barrows

Rep. Anne Gobi

Rep. Brad Hill

Rep. Gene O’Flaherty

Rep.  Angelo Puppolo

Rep. Joyce Spiliotis

Rep. Geraldo Alicea

Rep. Robert Spellane

Rep. Robert Rice

Rep. John Binienda

Rep. Vinny deMacedo

Rep. Stephen Kulik

Rep. Richard Ross

Rep. Mary Rogeness

Rep. Susan Gifford

Rep. Harold Naughton

Rep. William Greene

Rep. Elizabeth Poirier

Rep. John Lepper

Rep. Lewis Evangelidis

Rep. Karyn Polito

Rep. Donald Humason

Rep. Daniel Webster

Rep. Patrick Natale

Rep. Paul Loscocco

Rep. Martin Walsh

Rep. Christopher Speranzo

Rep. Michael Rodrigues

Rep. Anthony Verga

Rep. Jennifer Flanagan

Rep. Patricia Haddad

Rep. Jennifer Callahan

Rep. Peter Kocot

 

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