State Senator Barbara Favola (D-31st) has recently announced her intention to require a study of the cost and feasibility of a firearms registry in Virginia. Her proposal should be recognized for what it is and steadfastly opposed.

In addition to being unlawful under federal law, such a firearms registry would not address the issue Senator Favola uses to justify its existence.

Most importantly, a firearms registry is only the first step in restricting the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens.

Any restriction compromises our liberty and safety as individual citizens and compromises our collective security.

Our Founding Fathers, understanding the wisdom and necessity of our right to bear arms, enshrined that right in the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. That right is also protected by the Constitution of Virginia. Every branch of government – judicial, legislative and executive -- has reaffirmed that right.

The senator’s attempt to commit taxpayer dollars to the study of a patently illegal firearms registry is disturbing.