Via the Firearms Policy Coalition.

Via the Firearms Policy Coalition.

A pro-gun policy coalition from California is encouraging its supporters to contact the D.C. Council to oppose a restrictive concealed carry bill being considered tomorrow. They’ll even pay to fax your form letter!

At a briefing Monday morning, Council Chair Phil Mendelson said he’s heard from “uneasy” Councilmembers and “generally unhappy” constituents on the impending loosening of D.C.’s gun laws. “I don’t blame folks, because it’s a little unsettling to know people can legally carry a firearm,” Mendelson said. The emergency legislation was drafted in response to a court ruling that found D.C.’s ban on carrying handguns outside the home unconstitutional. It would allow people who can show a “legitimate need” to carry handguns in certain areas of the city after undergoing screening and training.

Mendelson said he’s received a “large number” of form emails opposed to the legislation from California. “They’re opposed, they’re very brief and they seem to be out-of-state,” he said. Councilmember David Grosso’s office said it has received faxes from the state, as well.

The Firearms Policy Coalition put out a call to supporters on Friday, asking them to “bury” the Council with emails and faxes opposing the bill. The group is paying for the faxes, according to a Facebook post. Here’s the text of the form letter:

I oppose the License to Carry a Pistol Emergency Amendment Act of 2014.

The measure infringes upon fundamental individual rights protected by the Constitution.

The Act, as proposed, is bad policy, ignores the Palmer v. D.C. court ruling, and simply goes too far.

I urge your “NO” vote on the License to Carry a Pistol Emergency Amendment Act of 2014.

While the group is based in California, its coalition members include Florida Carry, Inc., Hawaii Defense Foundation, Illinois Carry, Commonwealth Second Amendment in Massachusetts, New Jersey Second Amendment Society and West Virginia Citizens Defense League. None of its member groups are based in D.C., Virginia or Maryland.

The Council will vote on the emergency legislation tomorrow. Should it pass, the bill would be in effect for 90 days.

Request for comment from the Firearms Policy Coalition for additional information was not immediately returned.

Post by Firearms Policy Coalition.
Filed Under: concealed carry, guns, handgun ruling, handgunban,