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Greene commissioners vote for county to be Second Amendment Sanctuary

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Greene County commissioners have voted to designate the county a Second Amendment Sanctuary.

The Second Amendment Sanctuary Resolution states that the county will not recognize the enforcement of any new laws that alter Second Amendment rights.

The three-member board unanimously approved the measure earlier this week, joining their Fayette County counterparts, who passed a similar resolution last month.

“During meetings and routine interactions with constituents, we have repeatedly been asked about Greene County becoming a Second Amendment Sanctuary,” said Commissioner Betsy McClure. “Our residents listen to what is discussed at the federal level of government and see what happened in Virginia and other states last year and want protection of their current rights.”

The resolution affirms Greene County’s support of the rights currently given under the state and U.S. constitutions regarding the rights of citizens to keep and bear arms.

“This resolution gives no new rights or privileges,” said Commissioner Mike Belding. “But whether you are a casual hunter, an advocate of youth activities like the Hunting Hills Hawkeyes and school rifle teams or an individual that exercises the right to own firearms for home/self-defense, this resolution safeguards your current gun ownership rights against future infringement in Greene County, Pa.”

Greene County Sheriff Marcus Simms and District Attorney Dave Russo also supported the resolution.

“As all other elected officials, we swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States and of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. This resolution reaffirms to our constituents that we, at the county level of government, intend to stand by that oath,” Simms said.

Fayette County commissioners were poised to vote on the resolution in February 2020, with a large number of residents speaking out both for and against the measure. The vote was tabled and revisited last month. However, during the commissioners’ January meeting, held via Zoom, no one offered public comment.

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