Libertarians decry defeat of concealed carry amendment

S. 845 would have protected constitutional rights

WASHINGTON -- America’s third largest party Wednesday criticized senators voting against an amendment establishing concealed carry reciprocity between all states and reminded them voters have a record of holding gun rights opponents accountable on Election Day.

“Libertarians are no-compromise defenders of your constitutionally-protected right to keep and bear arms,” said Donny Ferguson, Libertarian National Committee Communications Director. “I find it ironic that many of the senators who rightfully believe one state’s same-sex marriage licenses should be recognized in all states are now not willing to extend that same courtesy to concealed carry licenses.”

“Your rights of free speech, free worship and freedom from unreasonable search and seizure do not end at the state line. Neither does your right to keep and bear arms without government infringement,” said Ferguson.

S. 845 follows Congress’ congressional authority to enforce "full faith and credit" so states recognize the "public acts, records, and judicial proceedings" of every other state (Article IV). The bill protects a citizen’s right to carry when traveling to another state if the traveler has “a valid permit or if, under their state of residence ... are entitled to do so."

It failed narrowly, 58-39, two votes short of the 60 needed to adopt the amendment under Senate rules.

“We look forward to holding those 39 senators accountable for once again treating America’s gun owners as second-class citizens,” said Ferguson. “America’s 90 million gun owners vote, and you can bet Libertarian candidates will be discussing their unabashed support of the Second Amendment.”

Voting against the amendment were Democrats Daniel Akaka (D-HI), Jeff Bingaman (D-NM), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Roland Burris (D-IL), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Thomas Carper (D-DE), Christopher Dodd (D-CT), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Al Franken (D-MN), Kristen Gillibrand (D-NY), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Daniel Inouye (D-HI), Edward Kaufman (D-DE), John Kerry (D-MA), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Herb Kohl (D-WI), Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Carl Levin (D-MI), McCaskill (D-MO), Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Jack Reed (D-RI), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Arlen Specter (D-PA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) Independents Joe Lieberman (ID-CT) and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Republicans Richard Lugar (R-IN) and George Voinovich (R-OH).

For more information on this issue, or to arrange an interview with the Libertarian Party, please call Director of Communications Donny Ferguson at 703-200-3669 or 202-333-0008, x. 225, or email Donny.Ferguson@lp.org.

The Libertarian Party is America's third-largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting http://www.LP.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.