Resistance mounts against Gavin Newsom’s 28th Amendment for gun control, revealing constitutional implications.

Gov. Gavin Newsom Proposes 28th Amendment to Restrict Gun Ownership

Gov. Gavin Newsom (D-CA) has ignited a fierce debate on the future of gun control in the United States with his proposal for a 28th Amendment to the Constitution. This bold move has lawmakers from both sides of the aisle engaged in a heated discussion.

Republicans Condemn the Proposal

Republicans have been quick to condemn Newsom’s proposal, arguing that it would infringe upon the Second Amendment and doubting its effectiveness in reducing gun violence. They believe that there are better solutions to address this issue.

“We have background checks in California, and I think that has helped to make sure people who are dangerous or are felons don’t have weapons, but even having that, we still have gun violence on our streets,” said Assembly Republican Minority Leader James Gallagher.

Republican leaders, including House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, have voiced their opposition to the amendment, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the facts before implementing any new gun control measures.

Democrats Show Mixed Reactions

While some Democrats have praised Newsom’s proposal as a necessary step to address the gun violence epidemic, others have expressed concerns about its feasibility and effectiveness.

“I find it really frustrating as a liberal because we all know this is never gonna happen,” said Lara Smith, communications director and spokeswoman of the Liberal Gun Club. “I think it’s grandstanding, and I find it offensive.”

However, there are Democratic lawmakers who support the proposal and urge the federal government to take action on gun violence prevention.

Newsom’s Plan for the 28th Amendment

Newsom’s plan for the 28th Amendment includes four key gun control measures:

• Raising the minimum age to buy a firearm to 21
• Mandating universal background checks
• Instituting a “reasonable” waiting period for all gun purchases
• Banning rifles “that serve no other purpose than to kill as many people as possible in a short amount of time”

Newsom aims to amend the Constitution through a constitutional convention, a method that has never been used before. This has raised concerns and questions about the process and its potential implications.

Obstacles Ahead for Newsom’s Proposal

Despite support from lawmakers in his state and Democrats in general, Newsom faces a significant obstacle in the form of the two-thirds requirement for amending the Constitution. This requirement makes it extremely challenging to pass any amendments.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court’s ruling in the District of Columbia v. Heller case less than 20 years ago affirmed the individual right to bear arms, adding another layer of complexity to the debate.

California’s strict gun laws and its relatively low firearm mortality rate have made gun safety a key issue for Newsom and the Democratic Party. As the 2024 elections approach, this topic is expected to remain divisive.

“The 28th Amendment will enshrine in the Constitution common sense gun safety measures that Democrats, Republicans, Independents, and gun owners overwhelmingly support — while leaving the 2nd Amendment unchanged and respecting America’s gun-owning tradition,” Newsom stated in his proposal.