Gun Owners of America and Florida State Representative Anthony Sabatini held a press conference on August 23rd at the Florida state capitol to bring constitutional carry to the forefront. Why? Because the Republican party in Florida has stated numerous times that they don’t feel pro-gun legislation is an issue this coming session and it doesn’t need to be brought up for debate.
Mind you, the Biden administration in Washington is going all-out in its assaults on Americans’ gun rights.
At the capitol, Rep. Sabatini and GOA were joined by patriotic gun owners who were tired of the old song and dance routine that the state’s legislative leadership has been producing.
They were united in sending one message: it’s time for the Florida legislature to pass constitutional carry legislation.
As I told the crowd that day . . .
Commissioner of Agriculture & Consumer Services Nikki Fried exemplifies the issues with our permit system of being treated guilty until proven innocent, instead of innocent until proven guilty.
I also pointed out that Florida is only one of four states in the entire country that bans open carry (it’s only legal while actively hunting or fishing) and wore an empty holster as a sign of protest against such outdated laws.
GOA Senior Vice President Erich Pratt was there and asked . . .
What’s the best reason this Republican-led legislature should pass Constitutional Carry? Because it’s in the Constitution. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed!
Rep. Anthony Sabatini concluded . . .
Floridians should be able to exercise their Second Amendment right without a permission slip from the government. Bearing arms is a fundamental constitutional right… I’m looking forward to … getting this bill passed!
Gun Owners came from all across the state to show their support.
This is the third time that Rep. Sabatini has introduced a constitutional carry bill in the legislature. Thus far, he’s the only Florida lawmaker to do so. No other legislator has done so, even though the state has a Republican governor and Republican supermajorities in Tallahassee.
These politicians should be tripping over each other trying to expand firearms freedom, yet all we see is one lone lawmaker currently trying to advance liberty.
In 2018, Governor Ron DeSantis while running for the RPOF’s nomination told the press he’s pro-gun.
But we haven’t heard a word from Governor DeSantis this past session. At no point did he openly support Sabatini’s effort. Instead, the bill, then known as HB 123, died in the House’s Criminal justice & Public Safety Subcommittee, chaired by Republican Representative Cord Byrd.
But neither Rep. Sabatini nor GOA will give up on the hard fight ahead.
Great to rally with @GunOwners and @erichmpratt today at the Florida State Capitol today where I announced plans to file a Constitutional Carry Bill.
Thank you to the 100+ Patriots that came from every corner of the state! It’s time for Florida Republicans pass this Bill! #2A pic.twitter.com/ZL2AUOyTkh— Rep. Anthony Sabatini (@AnthonySabatini) August 23, 2021
The question is, will anyone else in the Florida Republican party join the fight?
Luis Valdes is the Florida Director for Gun Owners of America.
