The National Association for Gun Rights sent out a press release requesting Governor Henry McMaster prioritize Constitutional Carry as he called legislators back into session this final week of 2023.
Elected officials we spoke with in the S.C. House and S.C. Senate said it was unlikely constitutional carry would pass in 2023. No public demands by Governor McMaster were made towards passing the legislation.
Constitutional Carry refers to a type of gun control policy that allows individuals to carry firearms without a permit or license, as long as they are not legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. This policy is based on the Second Amendment of the Constitution, which protects the right of citizens to keep and bear arms.
Currently, several states in the United States have adopted Constitutional Carry laws, while others require permits or licenses for carrying firearms. Supporters of Constitutional Carry argue that it is a fundamental right protected by the Constitution and that it allows law-abiding citizens to protect themselves more effectively against violent crime.
National Association for Gun Rights calls on Governor McMaster to push Constitutional Carry
May 16, 2023
COLUMBIA, SC. – The National Association for Gun Rights is calling on Gov. Henry McMaster to prioritize Constitutional Carry legislation in this current session.
Two bills currently on the calendar in the Senate, S. 109 and H.3594 would add South Carolina to a list of 27 other states which allow law-abiding gun owners to carry a firearm without a government permit.
In Gov. McMaster’s press conference, the Governor listed several bills that he believes need to pass but neglected to mention Constitutional Carry.
“Gov. McMaster made Constitutional Carry a campaign promise – now he needs to put his money where his mouth is, no excuses” said Dudley Brown, President of the National Association for Gun Rights. “McMaster better make Constitutional Carry a priority, or we’ll make certain that every gun owner in the state knows who let them down.”
“The Governor seemed to be beating around the bush in his press conference, naming numerous bills other than Constitutional Carry. That’s not acceptable.” said Tommy Dimsdale, Executive Director of Palmetto Gun Rights. “With two bills on the cusp of passage, Gov. McMaster needs to get serious and tell the legislature to get Constitutional Carry to his desk. We need bold leadership from the Governor’s office, not inaction.”
“Governor DeSantis made Constitutional Carry a priority in Florida this year and got it done, McMaster needs to do the same,” said Dimsdale.
Gov. McMaster lists his support for Constitutional Carry on his campaign website, linked here.
The National Association for Gun Rights has been an active part of the passage of 25 Constitutional Carry bills since 2010. If S.109 becomes law, South Carolina would join Florida and Nebraska, which became the 26th and 27th states, respectively.
Palmetto State Gun Rights is the South Carolina subsidiary of the National Association for Gun Rights.
The National Association for Gun Rights is the nation’s largest “no compromise” pro-gun organization, with 4.5 million members nationwide.