Rep. Danny Bubp: Second Amendment Legislation is necessary

May 30, 2007
People's Defender

By Rep. Danny Bubp

It is interesting how events in our lives affect us. When I first arrived in Columbus, it was made clear to me that most legislators have strong opinions concerning Second Amendment rights. There are legislators that are pro-gun and there are those that are not. A recent confrontation has changed one legislator's anti-gun stance.

Earlier this month, a colleague of mine was the victim of an attempted robbery. This legislator was taking a walk near his home when he was approached by two men one of which pulled a gun on him. Fortunately the gunmen did not harm him and were scared off by neighbors responding to my colleague's cries for help. My friend, who has previously voted against legislation allowing Ohioans to carry concealed weapons, was quoted in a major Ohio newspaper, "I've changed my mind. You need a way to protect yourself and your family. I don't want to hurt anyone. But I never again want to be in the position where I'm approached by someone with a gun and I don't have one."

I believe that it is every law-abiding citizen's constitutional right to possess and transport firearms. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution states, "The right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." The Ohio Constitution states, "The people have the right to bear arms for their defense." It is crucial that responsible citizens be allowed the ability to protect themselves and their family from harm.

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I have recently signed on as a cosponsor for legislation that is commonly referred to as the "Castle Doctrine." This legislation will permit law abiding Ohio citizens to protect themselves in their homes. This legislation establishes the presumption that a criminal who forcibly enters or intrudes into a home or occupied vehicle is there to cause death or great bodily harm; therefore, the victim may use any manner of force, including deadly force, against the intruder. This legislation has already been passed in many other states and is supported by the National Rifle Association and the Buckeye Firearms Association.

Another piece of legislation which promotes and protects our Second Amendment rights is House Bill 225. This recently introduced legislation by Rep. John Adams (R-Sidney) would allow law-abiding gun owners to get a permit under current law or opt out of the permit process completely and carry without government interference. This legislation has been commonly referred to as "Alaska Right-to-Carry."

The legislation also repeals CCW prohibitions at colleges and universities, places of worship, child day-care centers, and public buildings. The legislation would continue to prohibit the carrying of firearms in schools, courthouses, police stations, and prisons. The legislation will also give private entities the choice to ban concealed carry. I have always been a strong advocate of the lawful right-to-carry, and will continue to support responsible legislation that defends the rights of gun owners!

As always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns regarding any state-related matter. I can be reached by calling (614) 644-6034, via e-mail at [email protected] or by writing to me, State Representative Danny Bubp at 77 S. High St., 11th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215.