Democrat gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams in a Friday post accused her incumbent opponent of signing a bill into law that does not appear to exist.
“Our children across Georgia are bearing the heartbreaking consequences of gun violence. Instead of addressing the crisis, Brian Kemp signed criminal carry legislation that will put more guns on our streets and make our communities less safe,” said Abrams on Twitter.
Our children across Georgia are bearing the heartbreaking consequences of gun violence.
Instead of addressing the crisis, Brian Kemp signed criminal carry legislation that will put more guns on our streets and make our communities less safe. Why? Because #KempDoesntCare. pic.twitter.com/NsmFBS7Jdi
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) May 27, 2022
“Criminal carry” legislation appears to be a new nickname used by the far-left for a bill signed into law recently by the governor.
Some far-left activists have nicknamed the state’s new “Constitutional carry” bill as a “criminal carry” bill, despite the fact that it does not expand gun rights for criminals.
Felons are legally prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms in Georgia, and federally. Kemp has not signed any legislation that would expand gun rights for criminals.
“Kemp and [Former Senator David] Perdue have proven they’re willing to risk Georgians’ lives and ignore the will of voters to cater to special interests, extremists, and the MAGA base as they campaign for our state’s highest office,” said Max Flugrath, spokesman for the Democratic Party of Georgia, in a press release in April.
That release referred to the “Constitutional carry” law as a “criminal carry law.”
“Take it from Trump-endorsed Perdue himself — without his challenge, Kemp never could have passed such dangerous legislation that threatens public safety and is causing major concerns among law enforcement officers,” Flugrath said. “The current governor should invite Perdue to the bill signing ceremony, or at least save him a pen, so voters know both are responsible for a law that will lead to more guns on our streets and more gun violence in our communities.”
In April, Kemp signed into law what is commonly known as a “Constitutional carry” bill, which allows Georgians to carry a concealed firearm without a license.
“SB 319 makes sure law abiding Georgians – including my daughters and your family too – can protect themselves without having to have the permission from your state government,” he said at the time. “The Constitution of the United States gives us that right, not the government.”
On the same day, he signed HB 218 into law, which allows reciprocity with other states that have concealed carry and Constitutional carry laws. In effect, that means Georgians may still obtain a concealed carry permit if they wish to conceal a weapon in states that still require licensure.
“I have no doubt that the Left will come out against us like they have before,” Kemp said, predicting backlash. “But you know what? We didn’t back down then, and we ain’t backing down now.”
Twenty-four states have “Constitutional carry” laws in place.
The Georgia Star News reached out to Abrams’ campaign for clarification, but did not hear back.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Georgia Star News and The Star News Network. Email tips to [email protected]
Photo “Brian Kemp” by Brian Kemp. Photo “Stacey Abrams” by Stacey Abrams.
