For Immediate Release: April 27, 2010

Brogdon Slams Veto of Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act

State Sen. Randy Brogdon said he was disappointed to learn that Gov. Brad Henry had vetoed Senate Bill 1685, the Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act. The bill was designed to stop further encroachment of the federal government on Second Amendment rights by exempting firearms and ammunition manufactured in Oklahoma from regulations handed down from Washington D.C.

“The governor claimed this bill would have given criminals ‘easy access’ to guns. That argument is absurd,” Brogdon said. “Oklahoma law addresses this issue—convicted felons cannot own guns in our state. The Oklahoma Firearms Freedom Act would not have changed that state law.”

Under the provisions of Senate Bill 1685, no firearms or ammunition manufactured in Oklahoma and remaining in the state could be subject to any federal regulations, including federal registration requirements. Brogdon, R-Owasso, noted the legislation was approved by wide margins on bipartisan votes in both the Senate and the House.

“What the governor fails to grasp is that for years, anti-Second Amendment politicians have been attempting to use federal regulation as a way to prevent any law abiding citizen from owning firearms,” Brogdon said. “My legislation would have stopped further federal attempts to erode our Constitutional right to protect ourselves and our families.”

Brogdon said he would attempt to override the governor’s veto of SB 1685 as soon as possible.

“The governor claims to be pro-life then vetoes pro-life bills. He claims to support the Second Amendment then vetoes legislation supporting it. Actions speak louder than words—what he says he believes and what he does don’t add up,” Brogdon said. “This bill would have given Oklahomans greater protection for their right to keep and bear arms. I will do everything in my power to override this veto and make sure this bill becomes law.”

For more information, contact:
Sen. Brogdon: (405) 521-5566