Humanism and Responsible Gun Law in Iowa - Part 2

As Humanists we believe in fostering a more humane society. We believe in having concern and empathy for other human beings. We believe in using rational, reliable, and responsible knowledge in our personal actions and in public policy-making. Iowans who are humanists and free-thinkers have the opportunity to act on their beliefs when they vote on an Amendment to the state Constitution on November 8 this year.

Public Measure No 1 states: The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.  The sovereign state of Iowa affirms and recognizes this right to be fundamental individual right.  Any and all restrictions to this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.

Supporters of this measure will have you believe it is simply a reiteration of the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution. However, the 2nd Amendment states: A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. There is no mention of strict scrutiny in the 2nd Amendment.

What is meant by strict scrutiny? It is the highest level of scrutiny a court uses to decide whether a law is unconstitutional. Inserting gun rights with strict scrutiny into the constitution would make it much harder to revise current or pass future gun safety and protection laws. 

Owning and using guns would take priority over public health and safety.

This is not what the majority of Iowans want.  Most citizens, including gun owners want reasonable and responsible gun laws. Iowans for Responsible Gun Laws cites the following points from a poll they conducted:

            •91% support banning carrying a firearm while under the influence of drugs or alcohol

            •85% support prohibiting felons from possessing a firearm

            •85% support requiring background checks on all gun purchases

            •83% support requiring gun safety courses before the purchase of a handgun

            •72% support extreme risk protection laws that allow police or family members to request a judge temporarily remove guns from people who may be a danger to themselves or others.

The majority of Iowans - like humanists - believe in compassionate, rational, and reasonable decision-making.  We can defeat this Amendment and send a message to the Iowa Legislature.

In Part 3 we will discuss how gun violence is a public health crisis in the country and in our state. In the meantime, go to www.iowansforresponsiblegunlaws.com for further information. If you would like a yard sign for voting NO on this measure contact marciaswift@hlcia.org.