From the Vermont Libertarian Party website:
The Vermont Libertarian Party opposes expanding background checks for gun sales in Vermont. Vermont firearm dealers currently conduct background checks on each person purchasing a firearm both in-store and at gun shows. Some even use background check websites to look up people to find out of they fit the bill to purchase a weapon. Expanding the background check law will have no effect on stopping criminal purchases, because criminals don’t obey laws.
The effect of expanded background checks by the State of Vermont means unreasonable restrictions placed on Vermonters’ freedom and liberty. It’s not unreasonable to be afraid that we’ll end up with a poorly-crafted law like Washington State’s I-594, where a parent can’t even use their own gun to teach their child proper gun safety and gun use on their private property without committing a felony.
According to 2013 ATF and FBI crime statistics, violent crime in Vermont is among the very lowest in the nation, even though Vermont has one of the highest firearm ownership rates in the nation. The ATF and FBI crime statistics tracing firearms used in violent crimes back to their originating state of purchase show that Vermont is not a major originator of criminal firearms used in crimes occurring in other states, despite what some groups entering this debate might claim.
The Vermont Libertarian Party supports common-sense policy reform to reduce violent crime. We believe it is in the best interest of second amendment supporters whose rights are under attack and anti-gun advocacy groups concerned with public safely, to support ending prohibition, dispute the resolution related to the now-illegal market in drugs which can be settled peacefully in public courts and not violently on the streets or in homes. Prohibition creates violence. Laws prohibiting unpopular forms of voluntary trade do not cease that trade. They drive it underground, attract more violence, and encourage more potent concentrations of the product to make it easier to smuggle.
A black market for drugs fuels a demand for black market firearms used to settle disputes violently, because no civil authority effectively regulates prohibited commerce, and civil courts are closed to adjudicate these disputes peacefully.
Because prohibition and not firearms create conditions for criminal violence to rise, it is reasonable to argue that ending drug prohibition is the most sincere and effective way to combat criminal violence, and simultaneously protect liberty from future restriction. Repealing these consensual crime laws will end criminally-controlled commerce, result in a dramatic reduction in drug-related violence involving firearms nationwide, and reduce the stigma for people seeking help with substance use. As a result, the reduction in enforcement and correctional spending may be used to create more effective drug addiction prevention and recovery programs, or reduce taxes.
I am opposed to this piece of legislation. As an eight generation Vermonter I have seen the rules surrounding gun regulation through the 16th Amendment to the Constitution serve us well.
I also would like to mention the limited time legislators have to conduct reviews of real problems in Vermont dealing with economy and infrastructure, education and taxes. I know there asking for a full time legislature. this proposal scream of special interest.
The proponents of this legislation say their reason is a hope to end gun violence. Felons have a very high rate of recidivism. As a broadcaster here in Vermont, I can attest to the many news stories I read on the air that politicians are releasing felons from prison earlier than their sentences. Plea agreements between criminals and prosecutors keeps felons on the street. This is an issue where proponents money and efforts would be better spent. Felons are scofflaws. This legislation is fraudulent in origin and need. Vermont is the safest state in the country. Our right to transfer guns to family and friends must remain without infringement. This proposal is a solution in search of a problem.
With the recent monetary infusion into Vermont by out of state interests, it is imperative Vermonters get involved.
It is time end this national, special interest campaign and get on with solving real problems in Vermont. These who would take our constitutional rights away from us, need to be voted out of office in the next election. That is the way we roll here in Vermont.
Vermont has some of the best gun laws in the US. Hopefully that wil remain true (unless it’s by other states making their better).