West Milford Declares Itself A '2nd Amendment Sanctuary'

WEST MILFORD, NJ – West Milford has become one of the first towns in New Jersey to declare itself a “sanctuary” for law-abiding gun owners.

A non-binding resolution, which was approved unanimously on Dec. 4 by the township council, designates the Passaic County community a “Second Amendment/lawful gun owner sanctuary township."

Click here to read the full resolution.

According to the resolution, the township opposes gun control, "gun safety" legislation, and "red flag laws," whether state, federal or local. It also “opposes further interference with, or abridging of, the rights of lawful gun owners.”

West Milford, the resolution says, “supports the rights of lawful gun owners to lawfully use firearms; to defend themselves, their loved ones and other innocents; to lawfully hunt to provide sustenance for their families; and to lawfully participate in shooting sports up to and including Olympic sports.”

It also criticizes “red flag laws” that have been adopted by more than a dozen states, including New Jersey.

"Gun control laws, including a plethora of current proposed legislation, are not evidence-based legislation called “gun safety” legislation or 'Red Flag Laws,' factually have nothing to do with teaching or promoting the safe and lawful use of firearms," the resolution said.

After California, the Garden State has the toughest gun laws in the country, according to the Giffords Law Center and the state’s red flag law, which went into effect in September, seeks to remove weapons from those who are considered to be a threat to others or themselves.

In the wake of the Dec. 10 shooting in Jersey City that left three civilians and a police detective dead, Gov. Phil Murphy has called for further restrictions.

West Milford officials believe the non-binding resolution is harmless and more symbolic if anything.

“It’s just reaffirming our Second Amendment. It’s not changing any laws,” said Councilwoman Patricia Gerst told NorthJersey.com.

A growing number of towns in Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia, Arizona and Texas have declared themselves as “Second Amendment sanctuaries” as a way to take a stance against further gun safety legislation.