In his first time speaking with reporters after his controversial calls for “order of protection” (red flag) laws, Gov. Bill Lee (R) defended his position, as well as the upcoming special legislative session that will be focused on gun control.
“It is a very important conversation that I think Tennesseans want us to have,” said Lee, according to WTVF. “We oughta find a way to separate those who are a threat to others and a threat to themselves from having access to weapons.”
“I’ve put forth what I think is the framework for what will protect the citizens and protect Second Amendment rights, but there’s a lot of conversation to be had between now and then,” he continued. “I can’t predict what that will look like, but I will be working really hard to make sure we have Republicans, Democrats, lawmakers, the public, everyone has an opportunity to weigh in on it.”
On April 19, Lee made his first call for red flag laws.
He said:
“We all agree that dangerous unstable individuals who intend to harm themselves or others, should not have access to weapons, and that should be done in a way that requires due process, a high burden of proof, supports law enforcement, punishes false reporting, enhances mental health support and preserves the Second Amendment for law abiding citizens. Throughout the last couple of weeks, I’ve worked with members of the General Assembly, constitutionally-minded, Second Amendment-protecting members to craft legislation for an improved Order of Protection law that’ll strengthen safety and preserve the rights of Tennesseans.”
A day later, Tennessee’s House Republicans have already described red flag laws as a “non-starter.”
“Any red flag law is a non-starter for House Republicans,” the House majority party said on Twitter in mid-April. “Our caucus is focused on finding solutions that prevent dangerous individuals from harming the public and preserve the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens. We have always been open to working with Governor Lee on measures that fit within that framework.”
At the time, State Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) told The Tennessee Star that he agreed with his House colleagues.
“I have reviewed the governor’s proposal,” he told The Star. “It’s a red flag law and I have always opposed red flag laws. I do not support it.”
The special session on gun rights will begin in August.
The Star reached out to numerous Republican lawmakers currently out of session but did not hear back.
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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on Twitter.
Photo “Bill Lee” by Gov. Bill Lee.
