Controversy surrounds proposed law to register ammunition in New York state again!
ALBANY – Demonstrators called the event a civil rights rally Tuesday night.
“We don’t want our privacy violated to be in this database. We don’t want local government or law enforcement knowing what we’re buying, how much we’re buying,” said rally organizer Brian Belz.
They are against a proposed law in Albany County that would require people to show their gun license when buying ammunition for handguns, and a driver’s license or other ID for ammunition for rifles.
The rally took place just before a public hearing in front of the Legislature.
“You have to stop looking at the average gun owner as a criminal. That’s what laws like this do. It makes common, everyday citizens criminals, pre-crime,” said one resident speaking at the hearing.
But a sponsor of the proposal, legislator Phil Steck, said this is to make sure that only licensed gun owners can buy ammunition, which is already in state law.
“I think what’s going on here in large part is that a lot of people don’t realize that this is the law that’s on the books, it isn’t being enforced, and a lot of folks are ideologically opposed to gun control of any kind,” Steck said.
There were those who stood up in support of the idea.
If you’re a licensed gun owner, you go to the guy, the munitions salesman, you show your proof, you get your ammunition and you’re out of the store. What’s the big deal? I mean, really, what’s the big deal?” said another speaker at the hearing
But most were there to show their opposition.
“Tax them, don’t plow their streets. Keep them in the dark, but don’t mess with their firearms. The giant will not go back to sleep. He votes, and you will reap what you sow,” said Tom King of the New York Rifle and Pistol Association.
The legislature could vote on this next month.
