On Aug. 27, the Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett said he would not allow Shelby County to put gun safety referendums on the ballot on Nov. 5.
These measures aimed to reduce the number of gun related deaths and violent crimes by giving the city the authority to implement an assault weapon ban, restore handgun permit requirements, require safe gun storage and enact extreme risk protection orders (red flag laws).
The Tennessee Secretary of State acted against Memphis voters when he prevented gun safety measures from appearing on the November ballot. In a city where gun violence and crime are a top concern, Memphis has the right to determine its future without state leaders’ encroachment.
Our state legislative leaders boast that their priority is to protect all “Tennesseans’ rights and liberties.” But whose rights and liberties are being protected when the public is denied the opportunity to vote on gun safety measures? When actions deviate from rhetoric, self-interest is likely at play.