CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – A growing number of counties in Central and Southwest Virginia are labeling themselves as “Second Amendment sanctuaries” ahead of the new legislative session, but what affect will that have on gun laws?
Appomattox, Carroll, Charlotte, Patrick, and Pittsylvania counties have already declared themselves Second Amendment sanctuaries, which will oppose gun control measures; Franklin and Pulaski counties are considering making the same declaration.
However, University of Virginia Professor Rich Schragger, who specializes in constitutional law, said some gun control measures are constitutional, which means the Second Amendment sanctuaries would likely not be able to block them.
Mostly, declaring yourself a Second Amendment sanctuary is more of a symbolic statement.”Schragger said the wave of new Second Amendment sanctuaries also signifies more rural communities’ efforts to have their concerns heard at the State Capitol.
"It’s similar to when urban communities have made statements in the other direction for gun control.