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The argument from Republicans and gun-rights advocates that universal background checks and “red flag” laws will lead to the repeal of the Second Amendment right to bear arms is “frankly BS,” Gov. Tony Evers said Thursday.

Evers called Republican arguments against the bills “irrational” and cautioned them against not taking up the measures in a special session, a move the Democratic governor is keeping open as an option.

“Gaveling in and gaveling out, essentially just showing up and going home, is something that will affect people’s re-election opportunities,” Evers said during an interview on WTMJ-AM.

Evers and Democrats last week introduced a universal background check bill in the wake of mass shootings in Texas and Ohio. They also support a red-flag law that would establish a process for a judge to remove guns from a person determined to be a threat to themselves or others.

Democrats in Wisconsin — where openly carrying a firearm is legal — and across the country are pushing those proposals on the heels of recent mass shootings. But Republicans who control the Wisconsin Legislature have shown no interest in taking up the bills, raising concerns about infringing on Second Amendment rights. They, much like Republicans across the country, say the focus should be on mental health.