LAWRENCE COUNTY, Ohio (WOWK) – One county in our area officially became a “second amendment sanctuary” county this morning.

All three Lawrence County, Ohio commissioners voted yes on a resolution declaring opposition to any unconstitutional restrictions on gun ownership this morning.

The resolution was started by a gun rights advocacy group, then looked over by an attorney. The commissioners say this is merely a symbolic gesture and is a non-binding agreement, not a law.

Larry Persnetti lives in Lawrence County and is a gun owner. Persnetti told commissioners at the last meeting he and other advocates wanted a resolution in response to bills which are being written by Ohio legislators. He says those bills are unconstitutional restrictions on gun owners.

“It’s a day that Lawrence County made history. We became a Second Amendment sanctuary,” Persnetti said. “If there’s a magazine ban or a certain type of weapon restriction our county will not follow those or abide by those regulations or restrictions.”

Commission president DeAnna Holliday says she’s a gun owner and she hopes others will recognize this is not an attempt to legislate, but it is a signal. Although, this non-binding vote to become a sanctuary county has no force of law behind it and people can choose to ignore it.

I think it’s very symbolic. I think that anytime we are united in our effort, that people hear that and see that and it does speak volumes,” Holliday said. “It’s important to the board of county commissioners here in Lawrence County to stand up for our citizens and to act on behalf of citizens rights.”

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