Back in March and April of 2013 our topic was “The Biblical Doctrine of Self Defense”. We learned that because the responsibility to keep and bear arms is God-given, no one except God can withdraw or limit their use. Christians were given the responsibility to keep and bear arms long before the ratification of the Constitution (See Psalm 149:6-9).
We asked the question: Is state licensing (permission) required to perform God-given responsibilities?
Even though the answer is a resounding NO, most of us prefer to work to change unbiblical law from outside the prison system. In addition to “Firearms Permits”, there are many other permits, taxation schemes, property use restrictions, etc. that need to be eliminated.
I bring to your attention Pennsylvania House Bill 671.
This bill seems to be a step in the right direction regarding licensing of firearms holders in that it repeals certain sections of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).
The main description of the bill is as follows:
The General Assembly finds that:
(1)Â The laws in existence regulating firearms ownership, possession and use are ineffectual in preventing crime and only interfere with the natural rights of law abiding citizens.
(2)Â It is necessary to codify the inherent right to the carrying of firearms, whether openly or concealed, and that the right to self-defense is an inherent natural right that shall not be questioned as stated in section 21 of Article I of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The bill goes on to say:
Section 3. Section 6106 of Title 18 is repealed:
[§ 6106. Firearms not to be carried without a license.
In addition, Section 6122 (Proof of license and exception) is also repealed.
You can read H.B. 671 in its entirety here.
I ask our Pennsylvania readers to contact their State Representatives and encourage them to sign on as a co-sponsor to this bill or thank them if they already have.
~ Toby Grater
