Several Virginia counties declare themselves ‘Second Amendment Sanctuaries’

ROANOKE, Va. (AP)- Local officials in a handful of Virginia counties have voted to honor and defend gun rights by declaring their counties to be “Second Amendment Sanctuaries.”

The movement has spread in Virginia since the Nov. 5 election, when Democrats gained majority control of both the state Senate and House of Delegates.

Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam has said his party’s leaders will push for gun control measures. Senator Richard Saslaw pre-filed a bill on Monday that would ban semi-automatic rifles that hold more than 10 rounds, any semi-automatic pistol with capacity of 10 or more rounds, magazines and any feeding devices that can hold 10 or more rounds and more. Should the bill pass un-amended, law abiding gun owners would be given until July of 2020 to fully comply.

The Roanoke Times reports that Appomattox, Campbell, Charlotte, Carroll and Pittsylvania counties have passed sanctuary resolutions. Amherst and Franklin counties are considering adopting similar measures.

On Tuesday, more than 350 people wearing “Guns Save Lives” badges appeared before the Franklin County Board of Supervisors, who directed staff to draw up a resolution after consulting with the sheriff, commonwealth’s attorney and county attorney.

Neither the Accomack or Northampton Boards have addressed the issue.

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