Tally a victory for supporters of the right to keep and bear arms.

The Gaston County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday night to declare the county a Second Amendment Sanctuary, joining a growing chorus of local governments across North Carolina and nationwide.

The resolution states support for the Second Amendment and, "to oppose, within the limits of the Constitutions of the United States and the State of North Carolina, any efforts to unconstitutionally restrict such rights..."

Resolutions have been approved by neighboring Cleveland and Lincoln counties, most counties in Virginia, in addition to others in states like Colorado. The movement has accelerated in recent weeks in response to proposed new gun regulations in Virginia.

Gaston County Commissioner Bob Hovis emphatically voiced his support for both the Second Amendment and the county's resolution, but said it's important the nation protect the entirety of the Constitution.

"People seem to think those papers by our Founding Fathers don't matter," Hovis said, "and they can find ways around it. I don't know of anybody in the state of North Carolina that I've ever met that's taken the Constitution of these United States lightly. I know I don't. Never have, never will."

Most speakers during Tuesday's public comment period urged commissioners to support for the resolution.

"My oath was to protect the Constitution but also to protect you," Commissioner Chad Brown said addressing the room. "I'm proud to cosponsor this."

This is a developing story. Check back for additional updates.

Reach Adam Orr at 704-869-1828 or aorr@gastongazette.com