Gun-Rights Initiative Approved by Coos County, OR, Voters

by
posted on November 6, 2015
si-news-2015-5-28-15.jpg (30)

Voters in Coos County, OR, this week overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that sought to prohibit enforcement of restrictive partisan firearms legislation recently enacted in Oregon. With most votes counted in the Nov. 3 general election, the initiative was approved by a 61 percent to 39 percent margin. 

Brought forth to voters to counter the passage of SB 941, which enacted universal background checks in Oregon earlier this year, the initiative qualified for the ballot through the efforts of retired optician Rob Taylor, who gathered the necessary signatures. 

The Second Amendment Preservation Ordinance prohibits the use of county funds to enforce the background-check mandate or other new gun restrictions that may pass in the future. It further directs the county sheriff to determine whether gun laws violate the state or U.S. Constitutions. It provides for a $2,000 fine for violation. 

The measure mirrors ordinances adopted by county commissions in Wallowa and Wheeler counties in eastern Oregon soon after the governor signed SB 941 in May. It was passed solely with Democrat support against Republican opposition and largely bankrolled by the group Sandy Hook Promise and by former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Everytown for Gun Safety. 

“I was pretty confident and sure of getting 60 percent or more, and that’s pretty much what we got,” Taylor told the Coos Bay World newspaper this week. “That we won by 20 percent or more says people support the Second Amendment and oppose the background checks in SB 941.” 

Taylor said he understood the ordinance could come under legal scrutiny, but he said he would welcome litigation testing its reach.

 

Latest

Streamlight Stinger 2020 S Flashlight
Streamlight Stinger 2020 S Flashlight

First Look: Streamlight Stinger 2020 S Flashlight

Now available with a swappable, rechargeable battery pack.

First Look: Faxon ADJ Gas Block

Easily adjust your settings for suppressed to unsuppressed use.

Oneida County Sheriff’s Office Selects Night Fision Sights

The Optics Ready Stealth Series sights feature tritium vials that carry domed lenses optically engineered for superior visibility.

Review: PWS UXR Rifle

One rifle to rule them all?

First Look: High Speed Gear Gen2 Operator Belt

Equipped with MOLLE slots and an inner and outer belt for flexibility.

First Look: Davidson’s Exclusive Model 20 Revolver

Chambered in .357 Mag. rather than the original .38/44.

Interests



Get the best of Shooting Illustrated delivered to your inbox.