Gun-control bills at Arizona Legislature create backlash; turnout could grow at Second Amendment rally

Gun-control bills aren't expected to get far at the Arizona Legislature this session, but people across the state are reacting with anger and taking action.

Organizers of an annual rally in support of gun owners' rights anticipate a larger crowd than usual Saturday because of several bills introduced at the Capitol.

Multiple Arizona cities and counties have passed or are considering resolutions deeming themselves "Second Amendment sanctuaries."

And a Facebook group for Arizonans against the bills was created Sunday and grew to more than 50,000 members by Thursday afternoon.

Bills would expand background checks, ban assault rifles, and more

Democrats are sponsoring legislation that would expand background checks on firearm purchases as well as ban high-capacity magazines and so-called assault weapons.

One bipartisan proposal would change state law to expressly ban people who have been convicted of domestic abuse from purchasing or possessing firearms in particular circumstances.

Even relatively modest gun-control proposals are unlikely to gain any traction in a Republican-controlled Legislature.

Meanwhile, GOP lawmakers have proposed bills that would make it potentially costly for governments to adopt measures such as setting up gun-free zones and would designate Arizona a "Second Amendment sanctuary state."

The Second Amendment sanctuary state legislation in Arizona is the latest in a wave of similar bills that have popped up in cities and states across the country in the past year.

Sponsored by Rep. Leo Biasiucci, R-Lake Havasu City, the measure would make any federal laws viewed as infringing on the Second Amendment null, void and unenforceable in Arizona.

The bill also would bar the state government and local governments from helping enforce any law that is seen as infringing on the Second Amendment.

"The Second Amendment guarantees vital liberties, just like the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech and the Fourth Amendment prevents unreasonable searches and seizures,” Biasiucci said in announcing the bill. “We stand with law-abiding gun owners to ensure they are never disarmed in the name of political posturing.”

The bill does not appear to be heading anywhere soon. It has not gotten a single hearing.

But the Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines Thursday to advance a bill that would dissuade governments from creating so-called gun-free zones.

Senate Bill 1664, sponsored by Sen. David Gowan, R-Sierra Vista, would hold governments liable for setting up such zones.

People harmed by a crime in that gun-free zone could file suit against the government if they can argue that a firearm would have protected them from that crime.

Critics argue the bill would discourage governments from taking simple steps they contend would improve security.

"Allowing loaded guns in public places doesn’t make our communities any safer,” said Geneva Haber, a volunteer with the Arizona chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, which opposes the bill.

In reference to SB 1664, Arizonans for Gun Safety urged the bill's opponents to voice their concerns. The organization said in a Facebook post on Wednesday that the bill "promotes false narrative that anyone with a gun will respond calmly and rationally in a threatening situation and succeed in killing or disarming only the 'bad guy.' "

"Liability for harm lies with the perpetrator, not with government entities trying to protect their employees and visitors," the organization said.

More people expected at annual pro-gun-rights rally Saturday

Saturday's 2nd Amendment Rally will be free to attend and open to the public beginning at 10 a.m. at the Arizona Capitol.

The event first was organized seven years ago by RidersUSA, a motorcycle organization based in Mesa, to celebrate people's "right to keep and bear arms," said club vice president and event spokesperson Mike Sullivan. The group partnered with AZFirearms and Gun Freedom Radio last year, he said.

The rally each year averages between 200 and 500 participants. More than 1,500 people are expected to turn out for the rally this year as a result of the proposed gun-control legislation, according to Sullivan.

He specifically mentioned SB 1625, which would ban high-capacity magazines and assault weapons.

"We have the natural right to free speech and religion and the right to protect ourself — that's not a government-given right," Sullivan said. "The Constitution is, in theory, what's referred to as the supreme law of the land, and yet you have politicians that think otherwise; they'll say it's the supreme law of the land and then try to pass unconstitutional laws. And that really is the crime."

The event's website states 16 people are expected to speak at the rally, including Arizona House Rep. Kelly Townsend and Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb.

While the rally was not organized directly in protest of the legislation, Sullivan said he's sure speakers and attendees will bring them up.

"I'm sure it will be touched on," he said about the bills. "Our primary goal has always been to educate and inform people about their rights and what we need to, as good citizens, make sure we keep our rights."

Second Amendment 'sanctuary' resolutions, growing Facebook group

A handful of Arizona communities have opted to pass resolutions declaring themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries.

Mohave County was the first in Arizona to officially declare itself a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County” in support of gun rights. The resolution, which passed in November, says in part the county Board of Supervisors won’t authorize county spending or other resources for “enforcing laws that unconstitutionally infringe on the people’s right to keep and bear arms.”

Bullhead City followed suit Jan. 21, passing a similar resolution to declare itself Arizona's first Second Amendment sanctuary city.

“I’m not pleased with the way our country is going,” Mayor Tom Brady said during the meeting.

“One quote that I find particularly interesting is Thomas Jefferson was attributed as saying, ‘The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to bear arms is as a last resort to protect themselves against the tyranny of government.’ I believe that, and by passing this resolution, I don’t think you have to fear this local government because we’re on your side.”

“If anybody tries to infringe on the rights of the people in Arizona, they are in for big trouble, and we’re just starting,” Councilwoman Sheila Shutts added.

Last week, La Paz and Apache counties approved similar resolutions.

Yavapai County declared itself a Second Amendment sanctuary on Feb. 5. While there wasn't much discussion among the Board of Supervisors, more than a dozen county residents tuned in to the public comment portion of the meeting.

Most of them urged the county board to pass the resolution; a couple of people opposed it, and others questioned how much weight a resolution would carry to protect a resident's right to bear arms.

“As we all know, a resolution carries no legal weight, and an ordinance is necessary to provide any protection whatsoever to the citizens of Yavapai County,” Chino Valley resident Mark Smith said to the board. “I’m not suggesting that this resolution not be passed, I am saying, this is not the end of the issue but the beginning.”

Prescott, in Yavapai County, has been considering a similar resolution. The Prescott City Council on Tuesday tabled an agenda item to adopt a resolution declaring itself a Second Amendment sanctuary city, according to Prescott City Clerk Sarah Siep.

The item has not yet been rescheduled, she said.

In response to proposed gun-control legislation, a private Facebook group called “Arizona Anti SB1624/SB1625/SB1626 Activists,” was created Sunday by Gavin Paraiso.

The group grew to more than 50,000 members by Thursday afternoon.

"I started the group Sunday night and am very glad to see so many people as passionate about the Second Amendment as I am," Paraiso told The Arizona Republic.

Many of the group's posts focused on opposition to the proposed legislation and provided contact information for various legislators in support of the bills.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.