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A Republican state lawmaker is planning to drop his membership in a West Bend service organization because of its policy banning sponsorship of gun and knife shows.

Rep. Bob Gannon, R-Slinger, on Tuesday criticized Rotary International’s district office for sending a warning that the Rotary International Board “would not take kindly upon knowing that Rotary clubs are sponsoring or hosting gun and knife shows or that the clubs are hosting or sponsoring shooting tournaments and hunts.”

Rotary International rules say no chapter shall accept a sponsorship or a cooperative relationship that supports “the use of addictive or harmful products and activities including but not limited to alcohol (when inappropriate in a specific cultural context), tobacco, gambling, and weapons or other armaments.”

“Rotary International has every right to act like a mini United Nations, but I also have the right to no longer support them,” Gannon said in the statement.

He said the policy would force the club to end its relationship with Delta Defense/United States Conceal Carry Association, which he called “a fabulous local corporate citizen, and one which has always been there to help when called upon.”