Further information contact:
Peter G. Schmerl
(520) 625-7264
pgschmerl@aol.com
LIBERTARIANS SUPPORT FIREARMS PREEMPTION LEGISLATION
The Arizona Libertarian Party, Inc. announced today its support of H.B. 2095, the Firearms Preemption bill.
"The legislation's far from perfect," said Peter Schmerl, Chairman of the Arizona Libertarian Party, Inc. "But, it's better than the current status quo. It helps." Libertarians are staunch supporters of the right to keep and bear arms and believe the legislation will make a difference.
After a recent series of court decisions interpreting state law, Arizona municipalities and other subdivisions currently have the authority to completely prohibit the carrying of weapons on public property such as city parks. The legislation would limit such prohibitions and affirms the right to carry guns in local parks.
Some gun rights advocates have rejected the bill as a compromise after amendments such as taxing authority and concealed carry provisions were added to water-down the bill. Schmerl and the Libertarians dismiss such notions. "The bottom line is that people must be able to protect themselves and their families when they go to their neighborhood park. This bill gives them that opportunity."
As for the tax issue, Schmerl said that Libertarians always want lower taxes, but the bill does not give local governments additional taxing authority they do not already have. "If it doesn't raise taxes, I can support it," said Schmerl. "Furthermore, it will save lives."