Fairfax, Va.— The rights of every Missourian took a hit today after Governor Jay Nixon’s Sunday night veto of Senate Bill 656. Designed to expand protection opportunities, Senate Bill 656 would have permitted anyone legally allowed to possess a firearm to carry a firearm for self-defense without a permit.
"If recent events have taught us anything it’s that the need for self-protection can occur anywhere at any time,” said Lacey Biles, director of NRA State and Local Affairs. "With this veto, Governor Nixon proves he is more concerned about scoring political points with out-of-state gun control groups than securing the safety of law-abiding Missourians.”
In his veto letter, Nixon claimed SB 656 “would throw out the permit process.” In reality the legislation would not change the current permitting system. Permit holders would continue to have the right to carry concealed in states that recognize Missouri permits if the bill were to become law.
SB 656 also strengthens Missouri’s Stand Your Ground laws, expands Castle Doctrine protection, and provides members of the military with extra time to renew their carry permits. Unfortunately, two out-of-state gun control groups (Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action) have spearheaded a disinformation campaign to keep SB 656 from becoming law. While Governor Nixon bought into their false claims, the general public fully supports the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves against violent attack.
“Missourians have consistently demonstrated their support for self defense both within the home and in public, but the governor turned a deaf ear to the will of the people,” Biles concluded. “We are confident that the Governor will hear the people’s voice loud and clear when the legislature re-convenes in the fall to over-ride his veto.”
Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook at NRA on Facebook and Twitter @NRA.
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