York County township could become Second Amendment sanctuary: Here's why, what it means

A municipality in southwestern York County could become one of the first Second Amendment sanctuaries in Pennsylvania in advance of any potential battle over gun control at the state or federal level.

Fred Walker, a resident of West Manheim Township, located near Hanover, asked the board of supervisors at a meeting last month to consider such an ordinance, showing its support for the right to bear arms and not enforcing gun control laws.

The board directed its solicitor to draft an ordinance, which is now available for public review and comment. The board could vote on it next week.

Under the plan, the township would not use its money or personnel "in ways that would interfere with the rights protected by the Second Amendment," solicitor Walter Tilley III said in an email. Enforcement of certain laws that restrict gun possession or ownership to protect the public would continue. Some examples include court orders and restrictions on guns in schools.

Walker, a retired government worker, said this week that he has been watching what's been happening in Virginia where gun owners and lawmakers have been clashing over proposed legislation that would ban the sale of assault weapons and possession of high-capacity magazines.

He thinks the battle eventually could come to Pennsylvania, and "I just want to get ahead of the curve."

Walker, who was born and raised in Pennsylvania, said he has been hunting since the age of 12, and he wants to pass that tradition on to his grandsons. He suggested the idea to the supervisors, and the public will be able to weigh in on it.

"It's all done out of love and care for the community," Walker said.

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Some communities in Maryland, Virginia and other parts of the country have declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries. Buffalo Township in Pennsylvania became one last week.

Alicia Rouscher, the York County coordinator for the movement for Gun Owners of America, said she plans to take a similar ordinance to the York County commissioners.

"We just want to protect law-abiding citizens who own guns legally," she said.

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However, Duquesne University law professor Bruce Ledewitz told the Sunbury Daily Item that such ordinances and resolutions are "publicity stunts."

“You can’t pass a law that says you’re going to break the law,” he told the newspaper.

West Manheim Township Supervisor Terry Rynearson said he thinks the ordinance will likely pass in the conservative, rural community. With Republicans in control in the state Legislature, though, he doesn't think that gun control will become an issue.

"I don't think here in Pennsylvania we're in any danger of the state coming after our guns," he said.

If you go

What: Second Amendment Sanctuary ordinance under consideration by the West Manheim Township supervisors

When: 7 p.m. Feb. 18

Where: West Manheim Township building, 2412 Baltimore Pike

About: Residents can view the ordinance on the township's Facebook page or by visiting the township building.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.