Effingham County Board members recently passed a resolution declaring the area a "sanctuary county" for gun owners, a move some local lawmakers hope will set a precedent for other counties.
The resolution, approved 8-1 at a recent county board meeting, makes Effingham County a sanctuary county for all firearms considered "unconstitutionally" prohibited by the state of Illinois. The resolution, which also includes a provision preventing county employees from enforcing any new state laws that restrict Second Amendment rights, voices opposition to a bill passed in the state legislature in March and vetoed by Gov. Bruce Rauner that would require Illinois to regulate and license gun shops.
Although the county's resolution is seen as mostly a symbolic gesture by state and local officials, according to a report in the Effingham Daily News and Chicago Tribune, the measure is gaining attention.
Effingham County District D Board Member David Campbell, who initiated the resolution, said the idea was designed to send a message to state legislators.
"Too many of our rights are in jeopardy," Campbell told the East Central Reporter. "If we don't send a message to our state lawmakers, then all of our rights under the constitution may go away or be taken from us."
When asked if he thought the resolution may violate state law, Campbell said the intent of passing the resolution was to only send a message to lawmakers.
"We are only making a statement," Campbell said. "Each case would be at the discretion of our sheriff and states attorney. (We passed the resolution) to reaffirm our commitment to support the Second Amendment."
Campbell told the East Central Reporter that he believes in "common sense gun control that follows our Second Amendment rights."
Effingham County District C Board Member Karen Luchtefeld, who cast the opposing vote on the resolution, told local radio station WXEF 97.9 XFM she believes the country's gun laws have not kept pace with the more powerful types of guns now available.
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