Governor John Carney’s recent decision to sign a “permit to purchase” handgun bill into law in Delaware is not just a troubling development; it’s a stark infringement on the constitutional rights guaranteed by the Second Amendment. This new legislation mandates that Delawareans obtain a permit and complete gun safety training before they can purchase a handgun—requirements that represent a dangerous overreach by the state government into the lives and liberties of its citizens.
This law, which has already sparked a lawsuit within hours of its signing, is set to take effect in 18 months, supposedly giving time for administrative preparations and potential “enhancements.” But let’s be clear: the only thing being enhanced here is the government’s control over law-abiding citizens’ rights to arm themselves.
Under the guise of reducing gun violence, this legislation imposes unnecessary and costly hurdles for individuals exercising their rights. Prospective gun owners will now be burdened with the costs of fingerprinting and mandatory training, not to mention the bureaucratic nightmare of navigating a new permit system that includes a gun transfer registry. Although the permit itself may not have a fee, the ancillary costs and the hassle are barriers that could deter ordinary citizens from purchasing firearms for self-defense.
Delaware Republicans and gun rights advocates are rightly pushing back against this overreach. The National Rifle Association has called the legislation “extreme,” comparing it to Maryland’s handgun purchase restrictions that were recently overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit. This Maryland law, much like Delaware’s new mandate, included fingerprinting and firearms training—provisions that were ruled unconstitutional under the Second Amendment.
The fight in Delaware is about more than just gun rights; it’s about preserving the fundamental liberties that our forefathers enshrined in the Constitution. It’s a stark reminder that our Second Amendment rights are continually under siege by lawmakers who believe that more government intervention is the solution to societal problems. This law does nothing to target the actual sources of gun violence—instead, it penalizes responsible gun owners, entangling them in red tape and undermining their constitutional rights.
As we look ahead, it’s imperative that we remain vigilant and informed. The erosion of constitutional rights in Delaware is part of a broader, more disturbing trend across the country where individual liberties are sacrificed at the altar of supposed security. We must challenge these overreaches through every legal avenue available, ensuring that our rights are not only preserved but also respected. The American people deserve no less than a staunch defense of their freedoms, especially when they are threatened by those elected to represent them.
