LETTER: Act does not restrict freedom

Dear Editor, The Gun Violence Prevention Center of Utah (GVPC) has been working hard to prove the legitimacy of this referendum. It is the responsibility of the Attorney General’s Office to review all petitions for constitutionality before being released for signature collection. They have, and it is not in conflict with the Constitution. It is important to remember the language of the act doesn’t place any additional restrictions on anyone’s ability to purchase or own a firearm. In fact, laws similar to this act have been approved in three of our neighbors – Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming. Through hard work GVPC has received nothing but support from local church leaders and the Board of Regents. Cecelia Foxley, commissioner of higher education, affirmed the position of the Board on June 4, 1999, by stating “The State Board of Regents, the presidents of the nine colleges and universities and the student body officers are unanimous in their support of a ban of all dangerous weapons including permitted concealed weapons, from colleges and university campuses.” The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Episcopal Diocese and Roman Catholic Diocese have also expressed support for keeping guns out of churches. I have no doubt the majority of gun owners are well-trained and careful with their weapons. It is not with these upstanding citizens that I have issues with. From 1995 to 2000, more than 400 concealed weapon permits were revoked in Utah from people who violated the law. I encourage you to openly discuss the issues at hand and take part in the democratic process. I hope you have several opportunities to review the “Utah Safe to Learn Safe to Worship Act” and through your own conscience and understanding come to your own opinion. Our forefathers did not imagine three students running through a school in Colorado shooting people, or students bringing handguns to school because it was “cool.” The right to bear arms afforded in the Constitution was designed for the muskets of the Colonial era, not the monstrous creations of the 20th century.

Justin MillerUSU College Democrats