State of Alabama Archives: on Gun Control
Arnold Mooney:
Right to bear arms
Mooney's website highlighted the following campaign themes:- Improving Education and Repealing Common Core
- States' Rights and Limited Government
- Free Market Health Care
-
Pro-Life and Pro-Family
- Right to Bear Arms
- Increased Employment and Commerce
- Protecting Personal Property Rights
- Transportation
Source: Ballotpedia.org Connection: 2020 Alabama Senate race
Sep 9, 2019
Barry Moore:
Assume gun restrictions are unconstitutional, even treaties
Legislative Introduction to HB8: The Constitution of Alabama of 1901, provides that every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state. This proposed amendment would provide that every citizen has a
fundamental right to bear arms and that any restriction on this right would be subject to strict scrutiny. This proposed amendment would also provide that a citizen cannot be compelled by international treaty or law from taking actions that limit or
interfere with the fundamental right to bear arms.Alabama Policy Institute analysis: Under "strict scrutiny," an Alabama court would presume that a law limiting the right to bear arms was unconstitutional.
Legislative Outcome
: Passed House 76-22-6, Roll #1019 on Apr/20/2013; State Rep. Barry Moore voted YES; Passed Senate 25-4-6, Roll #1198 on May/20/2013; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on May/20/2013.
Source: API analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB8
Apr 20, 2013
Bill Hightower:
Assume gun restrictions are unconstitutional, even treaties
Legislative Introduction to HB8: The Constitution of Alabama of 1901, provides that every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state. This proposed amendment would provide that every citizen has a
fundamental right to bear arms and that any restriction on this right would be subject to strict scrutiny. This proposed amendment would also provide that a citizen cannot be compelled by international treaty or law from taking actions that limit or
interfere with the fundamental right to bear arms.Alabama Policy Institute analysis: Under "strict scrutiny," an Alabama court would presume that a law limiting the right to bear arms was unconstitutional.
Legislative Outcome
: Passed House 76-22-6, Roll #1019 on Apr/20/2013; Passed Senate 25-4-6, Roll #1198 on May/20/2013; State Sen. Bill Hightower voted YES; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on May/20/2013.
Source: API analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB8
May 20, 2013
Chris Countryman:
Favors greater ability to track gun purchases
According to Countryman's website, he supports increased funding for math and science in K-12 as well as incentivizing teachers and administrators whose students and schools perform well.
He said he supports second amendment rights, but also favors greater ability to track gun purchases.
Source: Dothan Eagle on 2018 Alabama gubernatorial race
Sep 21, 2015
Chris Countryman:
Favors background checks and state database
In favor of laws requiring mental health background checks for citizens prior to the purchase of a firearm. In favor or mandatory ammunition purchase restrictions for large amounts of ammunition for certain types of firearms.
In favor of a statewide database that tracks and records the firearm and ammunition purchases of individuals.
Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial website RethinkAlabama1
Sep 1, 2017
Doug Jones:
Supporter of 2nd amendment
As a deer, turkey and bird hunter, Jones said he's also a supporter of Second Amendment rights. "Doug is culturally very Southern,"
[one journalist] said. "He's a good ole Southern boy who likes his hunting and fishing and is living the Christian life."
Source: Birmingham News on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Jun 14, 2017
Doug Jones:
More background checks; raise purchase age to 21
Q: You said on the floor of the Senate:(VIDEO CLIP) JONES: You can't simply demonize the NRA and pro-gun groups. While I know that these groups sometimes take what many, including me, consider extreme positions, they also represent millions of law-
abiding gun owners who are concerned that their right to bear arms are at risk.
(END VIDEO) Q: What's your message to everyone we saw march last week who say that the NRA has had a stranglehold on Congress?
JONES: There is some truth to that.
And those millions of kids around the country also represent a point of view that we have to do something to stem the tide of gun deaths in this country.
Q: So, what does that mean right now?
JONES: Well, we took a step, that the CDC can start
doing some investigation and studies about gun violence. I think we can find that common ground. We can do more on background checks. I'd like to see the age limit of 21 for all semi-automatic weapons. We can have those kind of dialogues.
Source: ABC This Week 2018 interviews for 2017 Alabama Senate race
Apr 1, 2018
Doug Jones:
No assault weapons ban at this time
Q: Your colleague, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), has now says we have to try again on the assault weapons ban. Can you go that far?JONES: I'm not sure I can go that far just yet. We've got to get done what I think can be done right now. Let's reach
across and within our own party to do those things that we can do, and that to me is where I want to focus. I really don't believe that a gun ban is feasible right. And I think that there are things that can be done, that we need to look at.
Source: ABC This Week 2018 interviews for 2017 Alabama Senate race
Apr 1, 2018
Doug Jones:
Enforce current laws; no new restrictions
Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?Jones: No. Prioritize enforcement of current laws and improvements to background check system to prevent criminals and terrorists from getting guns while avoiding errors that keep
law-abiding citizens from getting them.
Moore: No. Opposes expanding registration checks, calling them equivalent to national gun registration. Opposes bans on "assault weapons" and high-capacity magazines.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Nov 1, 2017
Doug Jones:
Ban bump stocks; waiting period for semi-automatic weapons
Q: Opinion of gun control?Doug Jones: "An avid hunter." But wants ban on bump stocks, waiting period to buy a semi-automatic weapon, and laws to boost school safety and strengthen background checks.
Tommy Tuberville: Opposes "any form of gun control. They are not taking my guns. They want to take your guns away so they can control you."
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Gary Palmer:
Right to protect self and family
The right to keep and bear arms is enshrined in the Constitution for a reason.
Every American has a fundamental right to protect themselves and their family.
Source: 2014 AL-6 House campaign website, PalmerForAlabama.com
Sep 30, 2014
Gary Palmer:
Repeal unconstitutional gun restrictions
Q: Do you support restrictions on the purchase and possession of guns?
A: I do not support any additional federal restrictions, and I support the repeal of unconstitutional restrictions imposed by some states and municipalities.
Source: VoteSmart 2014 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test
Aug 30, 2014
Jessica Taylor:
Hold the line against radical gun-grabbing politicians
Defend the Second Amendment. The Constitution says our right to bear arms "shall not be infringed"--period.
Jessica will hold the line against radical gun-grabbing politicians that want to destroy the rights of law-abiding gun owners.
Source: 2021 Alabama Senate campaign website JessicaTaylorAL.com
Aug 31, 2021
John Rogers:
Gun restrictions in international treaties apply to Alabama
Legislative Introduction to HB8: The Constitution of Alabama of 1901, provides that every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state. This proposed amendment would provide that every citizen has a
fundamental right to bear arms and that any restriction on this right would be subject to strict scrutiny. This proposed amendment would also provide that a citizen cannot be compelled by international treaty or law from taking actions that limit or
interfere with the fundamental right to bear arms.Alabama Policy Institute analysis: Under "strict scrutiny," an Alabama court would presume that a law limiting the right to bear arms was unconstitutional.
Legislative Outcome
: Passed House 76-22-6, Roll #1019 on Apr/20/2013; State Rep. John Rogers voted NO; Passed Senate 25-4-6, Roll #1198 on May/20/2013; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on May/20/2013.
Source: API analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB8
Apr 20, 2013
Kay Ivey:
Do everything we can to preserve right to bear arms
In light of recent attempts from the federal government to chip away at our constitutional right to bear arms, Alabama Republicans are doing everything we can at the state level to preserve these rights.As a lifetime NRA member, Lt. Governor Ivey
understands that many Alabamians cherish their right to own and use a firearm. Recent 5-to-4 opinions of the Supreme Court have threatened the sanctity of the 2nd Amendment, but have ultimately upheld the right of American citizens to keep and bear arms.
[In case the Court changes], our state constitution should, as strongly as possible, protect the right of every Alabamian to keep and bear arms. With this amendment, Alabama's 1901 Constitution will contain
the strongest gun protection provisions in the country. If ratified, this amendment would require future courts to use strict judicial scrutiny in evaluating state laws that infringe on the right to keep and bear arms.
Source: 2014 Alabama Lt. Governor campaign website KayIvey.org
Oct 30, 2014
Kay Ivey:
Firearms industry jobs part of rich history of 2nd Amendment
I am proud to announce this evening that Kimber Firearms will build a $38 million dollar production facility in Troy, bringing with it 366 new jobs! These are good, high-paying jobs, and will enable more of our citizens to provide for their families
while taking part in the rich history of the Second Amendment. This announcement and countless others like it make one thing clear: what we are doing is working, and as a result, the people of Alabama are working and providing for their families.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to Alabama legislature
Jan 9, 2018
Luther Strange:
Defends God-given 2nd Amendment rights
Strange has a long history as a fierce defender of Alabamians' God-given 2nd Amendment rights. As Alabama's Attorney General, Luther pushed back on municipalities that tried to restrict the rights of
law-abiding citizens to conceal or open carry and stood up to federal courts when they ruled to restrict 2nd Amendment rights. He has co-sponsored the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate campaign website LutherStrange.com
Aug 31, 2017
Lynda Blanchard:
Against restrictions on the 2nd Amendment
Biden is Backwards! He took credit for Trump's Operation Warp Speed, Encouraged more restrictions on the 2nd Amendment, and unveiled his obsession for wasteful spending.
I look forward to fighting for our conservative values in the U.S. Senate. #BidenIsWrong #SecondAmendment #USSenate #Trump #BlanchardForSenate
Source: Facebook posting for 2022 Alabama Senate race
May 9, 2021
Lynda Blanchard:
Executive order an assault on law abiding gun owners
Joe Biden's executive order on guns is nothing but an assault on law abiding gun owners.
Instead of handling the border crisis, he is trying to unilaterally dismantle our 2nd Amendment rights.
Source: Facebook posting for 2022 Alabama Senate race
May 9, 2021
Marcus Bowman:
Right to keep guns shall not be infringed
Q: Do you support or oppose the policy, "Absolute right to gun ownership"
A: Strongly support the right to keep and bear guns, and arms. And that right shall not be infringed.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Jan 21, 2016
Mike Durant:
Will fight for Constitutional Carry, opposes red flag laws
The left's attempts at gun control are an unconstitutional encroachment on our liberties. While our nation has faced tragedies, using those horrific situations to take away Second Amendment rights from individuals is just wrong.
Mike will fight for Constitutional Carry, only support judges who vow to uphold our Second Amendment rights, and oppose any attempt at unconstitutional red flag laws
Source: 2022 Alabama Senate campaign website MikeDurant.com
Mar 30, 2022
Mo Brooks:
Socialists hope for mass gun confiscations
Q: Are mass gun confiscations likely if Democrats are able to keep the presidency and continue their hold on Congress?Brooks: The socialists certainly hope so. Congressman Eric Swalwell came to Alabama in 2020 and said exactly that. You either give
up your guns or he will have law enforcement seize them from you.
Q: In your opinion, will we ever conclusively know who won the 2020 election?
Brooks: That reminds me of the time that Sen. Daniel Inouye said 'How America stole the Panama Canal fair
and square.' Biden & his team stole the election fair and square, but now he has been sworn in as President so he won.
[OTI: It was actually Republican Senator Samuel I. Hayakawa who said in 1976 that we should keep the Panama Canal because "we stole
it fair and square." In the 1970s and 1980s, Samuel Hayakawa was a Senator from California of Japanese-American descent; Daniel Inouye was also of Japanese-American descent but was elected to the Senate from Hawaii until his death in office in 2012.]
Source: Alabama Political Reporter on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Mar 25, 2021
Robert Bentley:
Respond to active shooters but guarantee Second Amendment
I believe we are endowed with certain freedoms by our Creator, and that the Constitution serves to protect those freedoms. Freedoms such as those guaranteed in the Second Amendment, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.
We also will make sure our teachers--and students--are safe and protected. The events in Connecticut of last December are a grave reminder that protecting our schools, and ensuring the safety of our students, our teachers & our bus drivers should always
be a top priority.
I've asked to develop a strategic plan for preventing and responding to incidents of active shooters. Through use of training, technology through Virtual Alabama and public engagement, we hope to prevent tragedies from happening.
A Homeland Security hotline is now posted on the Governor's Office website. Anyone can call that number and report suspicious activity. Calls are anonymous and are connected to the state's intelligence and information sharing operation.
Source: 2013 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature
Feb 5, 2013
Robert Bentley:
Freedoms are guaranteed in the Second Amendment
When I took the Oath of Office, I swore to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Alabama. I am, and have always been, a strong supporter of the Constitution on which our nation and our states were founded.
I believe we are endowed with certain Freedoms by our Creator, and that the Constitution serves to Protect those Freedoms. Freedoms such as those guaranteed in the Second Amendment, which protects the right of the people to keep and bear Arms.
The 10th Amendment, which guarantees those powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States, or to the people. It is the people who give power to the States.
And let us be reminded that as our country was being established, the States created the Federal Government, not the other way around."
Source: 2014 Alabama Gubernatorial website, BentleyForGovernor.com
Sep 1, 2014
Robert Bentley:
Assume gun restrictions are unconstitutional, even treaties
Legislative Introduction to HB8: The Constitution of Alabama of 1901, provides that every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state. This proposed amendment would provide that every citizen has a
fundamental right to bear arms and that any restriction on this right would be subject to strict scrutiny. This proposed amendment would also provide that a citizen cannot be compelled by international treaty or law from taking actions that limit or
interfere with the fundamental right to bear arms.Alabama Policy Institute analysis: Under "strict scrutiny," an Alabama court would presume that a law limiting the right to bear arms was unconstitutional.
Legislative Outcome
: Passed House 76-22-6, Roll #1019 on Apr/20/2013; Passed Senate 25-4-6, Roll #1198 on May/20/2013; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on May/20/2013.
Source: API analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB8
May 20, 2013
Ron Crumpton:
Strict interpretation of the Second Amendment
Many factors determine where you stand on an issue. My first question with any issue is what does the constitution have say. In the case of guns, the second amendment is clear, `the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.`
A strict interpretation of this amendment would prevent the government from lawfully passing any legislation or issuing any executive order limiting the rights of gun owners. I support this interpretation of our constitution and
I will always vote to support private gun ownership.
Furthermore, it does not make sense for us to violate these rights of gun owners when it will only create an illegal market for existing guns and accessories.
A legal market for firearms is far superior to an illegal one. The right to self-protection is supreme. Taking guns from law-abiding citizens benefits criminals and jeopardizes that right.
Source: 2016 Alabama Senate campaign website, CrumptonForAlabama.com
Aug 7, 2015
Ron Crumpton:
Absolute right to gun ownership, with exceptions
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Absolute right to gun ownership"?
A: Agree. That does not exclude background checks, and does not include criminals, suspected terrorists, or those suffering from mental illness.
Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues
Nov 26, 2015
Roy Moore:
Moore and his wife are armed
It's no surprise that a GOP Senate candidate in Alabama supports the right to bear arms. But it is surprising when the candidate pulls out his wife's pistol to prove it. "We carry,"
Moore said at the Chambers County Republican Club's candidate meeting slipping his wife Kayla's handgun out of her purse. "I will uphold the Second Amendment," Moore later added.
Source: RollCall.com coverage of 2017 Alabama Senate race
Aug 4, 2017
Roy Moore:
Don't expand to equivalent of national gun registration
Gun Control: Support more restrictive gun control legislation?Jones: No. Prioritize enforcement of current laws and improvements to background check system to prevent criminals and terrorists from getting guns while avoiding errors that keep
law-abiding citizens from getting them.
Moore: No. Opposes expanding registration checks, calling them equivalent to national gun registration. Opposes bans on "assault weapons" and high-capacity magazines.
Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on 2017 Alabama Senate race
Nov 1, 2017
Stacy Lee George:
Unequivocally support the Second Amendment
The Second Amendment is one of the most important rights Americans have to protect our freedom, liberty, and to ensure the safety of our family and homes.
As a sidearm owner and Correctional Officer, I unequivocally support the Second Amendment.
Source: 2018 Alabama Governor website StacyLeeGeorge.com
Aug 17, 2017
Tim James:
If Feds overstep on this issue, we will not submit
Our Founding Fathers expected Americans to be armed as a means of protecting their families from both criminals and tyranny.
If the federal government ever makes the terrible decision to overstep its bounds on this issue, we will not submit. Every other constitutional right is guaranteed by our right to bear arms.
Source: 2022 Alabama Governor campaign website TimJamesGovernor.com
Feb 24, 2022
Tommy Battle:
Prefers more school security measures over armed teachers
Two of the leading Republican candidates in the race for governor say they support enhancing school security measures over Republican State Rep. Will Ainsworth's proposal to arm teachers against school shootings. In an interview with The Plainsman,
Battle said the proposal could pose more risks than it solves. "Teachers with guns, I'd rather have policemen who are trained," Battle said. "You put the teachers at liability. Battle said schools should focus on "tried and true" safety measures.
Source: The Auburn Plainsman on 2018 Alabama Senate race
Mar 6, 2018
Tommy Tuberville:
Will always protect, preserve our Second Amendment rights
While we are fighting out-of-touch liberals to protect life and liberty, we must also stand up for the time-honored traditions we hold dear in Alabama.
Being a sportsman has always been a part of my life. That is why I will always vote to protect and preserve our Second Amendment rights.
Source: 2020 Alabama Senate campaign website, TommyForSenate.com
Jan 12, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
Government wants to take guns to steal all your money
On gun control, he said, "You know how I stand on Second Amendment. They ain't taking my guns." He said government wants to take guns "when
the government steals all your money here in six or seven years. Then we go to try to fight them back, and we got rocks. Ask Venezuela."
Source: Jasper Daily Mountain Eagle on 2020 Alabama Sente race
Feb 9, 2020
Tommy Tuberville:
They are not taking my guns
Q: Opinion of gun control?Tommy Tuberville: Opposes "any form of gun control. They are not taking my guns. They want to take your guns away so they can control you."
Doug Jones: "An avid hunter." But wants ban on bump stocks, waiting period to buy a semi-automatic weapon, and laws to boost school safety and strengthen background checks.
Source: CampusElect on 2020 Alabama Senate race
Oct 10, 2020
Vivian Davis Figures:
Gun restrictions in international treaties apply to Alabama
Legislative Introduction to HB8: The Constitution of Alabama of 1901, provides that every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state. This proposed amendment would provide that every citizen has a
fundamental right to bear arms and that any restriction on this right would be subject to strict scrutiny. This proposed amendment would also provide that a citizen cannot be compelled by international treaty or law from taking actions that limit or
interfere with the fundamental right to bear arms.Alabama Policy Institute analysis: Under "strict scrutiny," an Alabama court would presume that a law limiting the right to bear arms was unconstitutional.
Legislative Outcome
: Passed House 76-22-6, Roll #1019 on Apr/20/2013; Passed Senate 25-4-6, Roll #1198 on May/20/2013; State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures voted NO; Signed by Governor Robert Bentley on May/20/2013.
Source: API analysis of Alabama legislative voting record HB8
May 20, 2013
Walt Maddox:
Refuses to comply with the NRA even if it costs him support
Maddox, released a letter he's written to the NRA, in response to the organization's questionnaire, saying he won't commit to any specific legislation in advance, even if it costs him support. Maddox wrote, "this process somehow implies that if
I make a commitment on legislation that I would get your support. That strikes me as being the kind of quid pro quo agreement that has landed too many state leaders either in jail or out of office in recent years."
Source: WHNT News 19 on 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial race
Mar 9, 2018
Will Boyd:
I want you to have as many guns as you want
[On Second Amendment rights]: "I'm not somebody who wants to take guns away," Boyd said in a recent interview. "I grew up with guns in the house," Boyd said of his childhood in
South Carolina. "I want you to have as many guns as you want." Just enforce the existing laws on who shouldn't get them, Boyd said, and he's fine.
Source: Birmingham News on 2022 Alabama Senate race
Jun 13, 2017
Yolanda Flowers:
Supports gun rights, but raise age for owners to 21
Flowers also said she supports the rights of gun owners but believes that the state should implement more stringent laws about purchasing and usage. She wants to raise Alabama's legal age for gun owners from 18 years old to 21.
Flowers said that she wants psychological evaluations for people who want to purchase guns in the state, as well as training for pawn brokers and other gun salespeople.
Source: Birmingham News on 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial race
Jun 19, 2022
Yolanda Flowers:
Opposes permitless concealed carry of guns
1819 News asked Flowers if she favored ending the gun permit requirement for concealed carry. "That is dangerous to me, No, I don't," Flowers said. "A gun is power, and some people can't handle power."
"Everyone should be able to go to the store without carrying a gun," Flowers said. "All the violence is because you can buy a gun here. I am not for it."
Source: 1819 News on 2022 Alabama Gubernatorial race
Jan 31, 2022
Mo Brooks:
2nd Amendment is about taking government back from dictators
The Second Amendment is designed to help ensure that we, the citizenry, always have the right to take back our government should it become dictatorial. That was a great fear of the Founding Fathers and, quite frankly, it's a fear today.
The moment that we take from our citizenry our ability to take our government back is the moment that the ability of dictatorial forces increases to the point where perhaps they will try to implement a dictatorial government at the federal level.
Source: Fox News Sunday on 2022 Alabama Senate race
May 29, 2022
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023