By Dave Workman
Editor-in-Chief
Voting along party lines, the Oregon House has passed gun control legislation to prohibit so-called “ghost guns,” raise the minimum age to purchase most firearms to 21, and allow local governments to prohibit concealed carry in public buildings.
According to the Portland Oregonian, proponents of House Bill 2005 insist it is “common sense” legislation “that will save lives and reduce mass shootings,” which is what gun control advocates always contend.
The newspaper quoted Rep. Lisa Reynolds (D-Portland) asserting, “This offers an Oregon solution to an urgent nationwide problem and will make our community safer while respecting the rights of responsible gun owners and giving high regard to Oregon’s heritage and culture of hunting and recreation.”
The Oregon Firearms Federation is accusing Reynolds of telling “outrageous lies” about the legislation. OFF was not complimentary of some Republicans, either.
In a critique posted on the group’s website, OFF declared, “While the Republicans made the anticipated speeches in opposition to this latest unconstitutional attack on rights and common sense they, once again, showed up on the floor. And by being there they helped the Democrats ram through this dangerous, cynical, and deceitful law.”
The 17-page bill was passed 35-24 with one member excused following sometimes emotional debate. House GOP opponents, such as Rep. Mark Owens, called the measure unconstitutional and predicted it will be challenged in court. However, OFF observed in its critique, “Given the almost total lack of support from his colleagues in the current lawsuits, his claim is, to say the least, dubious. Lawsuits cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.”
Gun control Measure 114, passed narrowly by Oregon voters last November, remains tied up in court and has not been enforced. Four federal lawsuits are pending and have been consolidated, while one state lawsuit has put the initiative on hold.
Members of the anti-gun Moms Demand Action were in the visitors’ gallery for the floor debate. According to the Oregonian, Rep. Reynolds is a volunteer in the organization.
OFF furiously notes in its criticism, “The bill now goes directly to the Senate, bypassing a Senate policy committee and the public’s rights to have input at a public hearing.”
