BURRILLVILLE, R.I. (WPRI) — The Burrillville Town Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution that declares Burrillville a “2nd Amendment sanctuary town.”
Councilman Donald Fox introduced the resolution Wednesday and says he did so in order to push back against what he calls “an attack on 2nd Amendment rights.”
Fox believes the “progressive agenda” could hurt the residents of his town. He said he has often gone to the State House to advocate against gun control legislation and says he was fed up.
“I thought it was about time to take a proactive step,” Fox said in a phone interview. “If they are going to pass unconstitutional laws which violate our 2nd Amendment rights, we are not going to fund that.”
Resident Betsy Alper says she considers herself a progressive and attended the town council meeting.
“It felt divisive. It felt that in order to live in this town, this is something that you have to agree with,” she said.
The resolution states the town supports Burrillville Police Department’s right “to exercise sound discretion” when enforced gun-related laws. It also states that the town will not pay for the storage of weapons that are seized if gun control legislation that bans specific firearms is passed.
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Gun Violence released a statement regarding the resolution, saying the term “sanctuary city” should not be used lightly.
“To make light of the term is not only dangerous but ignores the fact that the rights of Second Amendment supporters have not been violated by gun control laws,” the statement said.
“In my opinion, if the progressive left wants to use the word ‘sanctuary city’ for their purposes then those of us committed to protecting our constitutional right will use the same word,” Fox added.
Fox said he did not receive any opposition from the police department and town leaders. He hopes other cities and towns will also follow suit.
