Posted on 07/15/2012 5:39:09 AM PDT by marktwain
They say it makes it seem that carrying a firearm in county parks is illegal, even though it's not. That's why they organized a protest and picnic today at Green Hill Park in Salem. It's all about semantics. Members of the pro-gun group say they want to make sure their 2nd amendment rights are protected. The Virginia Citizens Defense League says the purpose of this protest is to bring awareness to an issue they feel is extremely important. This ordinance isn't a new one. It's been on the books for quite some time. The county issued a statement. It says: "Roanoke County respectfully disagrees with the group's position on our ordinance. What's written complies with state law and is not intentionally confusing or misleading. You can bring a gun onto a state park or Roanoke County park unless you're otherwise prohibited by law." Terrell Holbrook, the county's acting chief of police, says he will honor the 2nd Amendment and people will not be arrested for carrying guns in local parks.
(Excerpt) Read more at wdbj7.com ...
Here is the disputed ordinance, which the news crew did not see fit to quote:
"15-8 (6) Hunting and firearms. ... No person shall within a park use, carry or possess firearms, ammunition or combinations thereof, as expressly prohibited by statute, or air rifles, spring guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, bow and arrows, slings or any other forms of weapons potentially dangerous to wildlife and to human safety or any instrument that can be loaded with and fire blank cartridges, or any kind of trapping device ..."
I would say the ordinance is quite clear, possession of a firearm in the park is forbidden! The group has a right to protest the ordinance until it is removed from the books.
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