Buckeye Reporter

Since President Joe Biden exited the 2024 presidential race on July 21, Vice President Kamala Harris has emerged as the Democratic presidential nominee.

Harris' stance on gun control has raised concerns among gun owners about potential threats to their Second Amendment rights. Her record indicates a belief that the Second Amendment does not protect an individual's right to keep and bear arms. Harris has also called for government confiscation of some popular firearms.

In 2008, as district attorney of San Francisco, Harris endorsed an amicus curiae brief supporting Washington, D.C.'s handgun ban in the District of Columbia v. Heller case. The brief argued that the Second Amendment provides only a militia-related right to bear arms and does not apply to state or local legislation.

The Supreme Court's decision in Heller affirmed that the Second Amendment protects an individual right to keep and bear arms for lawful purposes, including self-defense. This was further reinforced by subsequent rulings in McDonald v. Chicago (2010) and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022).

Public opinion polls have consistently shown strong support for individual gun ownership rights. A Gallup poll in February 2008 found that 73% of respondents believed the Second Amendment guarantees Americans' right to own guns. A Quinnipiac University poll in July 2008 showed that 78% opposed amending the Constitution to ban individual gun ownership.

Harris has expressed openness to expanding the Supreme Court, which could potentially impact future rulings on Second Amendment rights. In a 2019 article by Bloomberg, Harris stated she was "open" to increasing the number of justices on the court.

During her 2020 presidential campaign, Harris supported prohibiting and confiscating semi-automatic firearms, including AR-15 rifles. She reiterated this position during various public appearances and interviews.

At a state luncheon with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in October 2023, Harris praised Australia's gun control measures, referencing their near-total ban on civilian ownership of certain firearms and mandatory buy-back program implemented in 1996.

Gun rights activists are urged to inform others about Harris' positions on the Second Amendment and potential implications for personal freedoms and property rights.

© 2024 National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action. This may be reproduced but not for commercial purposes.

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