FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                           

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Contact: Senate President Peter Bragdon

(603) 271-2111

LAWMAKERS VOTE TO LIFT GUN BAN AT STATEHOUSE

CONCORD – A committee of House and Senate lawmakers voted 10-1 today to lift a gun ban at the Statehouse and adjoining buildings.

Senate President Peter Bragdon, who is a member of the Joint Legislative Facilities Committee that sets policy for the Statehouse complex, supported the motion.

“I believe that law-abiding people have the right to defend themselves and this action by the committee reinforces that right,” Bragdon (R-Milford) said today.

Senator Tom De Blois (R-Manchester) also voted with the majority. “I support the policy because the previous language interfered with our Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms,” he said.

The issue of lifting the gun ban came up last month but Bragdon asked the committee to postpone a vote until the committee could schedule a meeting to hear testimony.

That testimony was given today, with several current and former lawmakers arguing they should have the right to defend themselves.

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