2nd Amendment sanctuary in Pa.: West Manheim Township passes ordinance
The West Manheim Township Board of Supervisors passed a Second Amendment sanctuary ordinance Tuesday night.
The five-man board had four yes votes and one no vote by Supervisor Terry Rynearson.
"I just thought there were parts that maybe were too far overreaching ... needed to have more consideration," Rynearson said.
He listed section three, which discusses prohibitions, as being "too specific" on how funds should not be used "to engage in any activity that aids in the enforcement or investigation relating to an Unlawful Act in connection with personal firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition."
Rynearson said if these areas were more broad he would have voted in favor of the ordinance.
Many at the meeting expressed concerns of how this ordinance might attempt to change federal or state laws.
Chairman Jeremy Ault said that is not the case. "We made the right decision in regard to what the ordinance meant, to protect tax payer funds."
"We are not going to put our police officers lives at jeopardy enforcing a law that infringes on our constitutional rights," Ault said, noting how it would be dangerous for officers to try to retrieve guns from people.
West Manheim Police Chief Edwin Schnieder said he has no comment.
Communities in Maryland and Virginia have also declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries. In Pennsylvania, only Buffalo Township has done so.
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Details of the ordinance
The ordinance lists that the township will not use its money or personnel "in ways that are inconsistent with the Second Amendment to the constitution of the United States of America."
The ordinance also states that any " 'unlawful act' is invalid in West Manheim Township and shall not be recognized by the Township." These acts include, but are not limited to:
- Any tax, levy, fee, or stamp imposed on firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition not common to all other goods and services on the purchase or ownership of those items by citizens;
- Any act forbidding the possession, ownership, or use or transfer of any type of firearm, firearm accessory, or ammunition by citizens of the legal age of eighteen and over, other than pursuant to federal law background check requirements for transfers or purchases through FFL dealers or in accordance with Protection From Abuse orders, criminal statutes prohibiting possession by persons convicted of crimes, and similar valid federal and state laws, regulations and court orders ;
- Any act ordering the confiscation of firearms, firearm accessories, or ammunition from citizens except in accordance with Protection From Abuse orders, criminal statutes prohibiting possession by persons convicted of crimes, and similar valid federal and state laws, regulations and court orders;
- Any prohibition, regulation, and/or use restriction related to ownership inconsistent with the constitutionally guaranteed lawful use or carry of non-fully automatic firearms.
Exceptions to these "unlawful acts" are "Protection From Abuse orders, criminal statutes prohibiting possession by persons convicted of crimes, and similar valid federal and state laws, regulations and court orders."
It also comes with a $1,000 fine if violated.
The full ordinance can be found on the West Manheim Township website or their Facebook page.
Bigger than just the township
The ordinance passed was based off of a model ordinance by Gun Owners of America.
"Obviously, we are pleased with the vote. The supervisors did the right thing standing up for the constitutional rights of the residents ... (which may be infringed) by any laws passed in Harrisburg or D.C.," GOA Pennsylvania Director Val Finnell said.
GOA is also moving to have a similar ordinance passed for York County.
David Rawlings, of West Manheim, said he supports the ordinance because of the events occurring in Virginia where the legislature sought to pass stricter gun policies.
"It will happen in Pennsylvania, it's just a matter of time," Rawlings said. "Gun rights supporters need to stick together and get out to vote."
Others in attendance, including some donning Moms Demand Action shirts, had questions about the legitimacy of this ordinance.
Former Hanover Borough Mayor Myneca Ojo was there in opposition to the ordinance. She said that through her experience as mayor, she understands the importance of a safe environment.
Ojo described the ordinance as "insane" in stating that the township would not follow federal laws. "This sets a poor example for the community."
York County Chapter Lead of Moms Demand Action Connie Hahn said that she believes this extends much farther than the township.
"We didn't realize this had such a big push from gun organizations," Hahn said, referring to the GOA's presence on the matter.
And if the ordinance is not seeking to change any laws, she said what's the point?
"No one's ever taken the Second Amendment rights away," Hahn said. She fears that the ordinance may lead to legal issues between the municipality and the state or federal government.
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Mariana Veloso is the Quality of Life reporter for the Evening Sun. Mariana focuses primarily on the opioid epidemic in south central PA, along with coverage of everyday issues in the Hanover area. If you have a story idea, you can email her at msveloso@eveningsun.com. Follow her on Twitter @MariVeloso9 to stay up-to-date with her latest articles.