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Raleigh -- March 25, 2023: North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has vetoed a bill that would have eliminated the state's
pistol purchase permit system,
a move that has been praised by gun control advocates and opposed by proponents of the bill. The bill, which had been passed by the Republican-led legislature, would have allowed those who already possess a concealed carry permit to purchase a handgun without obtaining a separate permit.
While the bill had received support from some Democratic lawmakers, Governor Cooper cited concerns about public safety
in his decision to veto it. "This permit serves as an important public safety measure, and removing it would put more guns in the hands of people who should not have them," the Governor said in his veto message.
The following message on Twitter March 24, 2023
The three Democratic representatives who voted for the bill when it passed the House are Reps. Marvin Lucas of Cumberland County, Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe County, and Michael Wray of Northampton County. In statements to the press, they expressed their disappointment with the Governor's decision.
Rep. Lucas argued that the pistol purchase permit system had become outdated and was not effective at keeping guns out of the hands of criminals. "The pistol purchase permit system was put in place nearly a century ago, and it's time for us to recognize that times have changed," he said.
Similarly, Rep. Willingham argued that the bill would have made it easier for law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights. "The pistol purchase permit system is an unnecessary burden on people who want to exercise their constitutional right to bear arms," he said.
However, opponents of the bill, including gun control advocates and some law enforcement officials, have argued that the pistol purchase permit system is an important tool for keeping guns out of the wrong hands.
In a statement, Kristen Rand, legislative director for the Violence Policy Center, praised Governor Cooper's decision to veto the bill. "The pistol purchase permit system is a vital public safety tool that helps to prevent guns from falling into the hands of domestic abusers, convicted felons, and other dangerous individuals," she said.
It remains to be seen whether supporters of the bill will be able to muster enough support to override the Governor's veto. In the meantime, North Carolina's pistol purchase permit system will remain in place, ensuring that those who wish to purchase a handgun must first go through a background check and obtain a permit from their local sheriff's office.
WNCtimes by Marjorie Farrington
