Gun Sanctuary Town Declared By Dandridge Board Of Mayor and Aldermen
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen of Dandridge, Tennessee voted Tuesday evening, October 8, 2019 to make the municipality a Gun Sanctuary Town. Last week, the issue was brought before the board by Alderman Kesterson at the monthly work session. While the BMA voiced their support of gun owner rights, questions arose concerning the ability to enforce the resolution against state or federal opposition. Town Attorney Jeff Green stated that other municipalities have voted in immigration sanctuaries and those appear to be standing despite opposition from the federal government. As of now, there is nothing to suggest that Dandridge cannot become a gun sanctuary.
Realistically, what protection does becoming a Gun Sanctuary offer residents? Should a dictate come from the state or federal government to collect guns, the Town of Dandridge can instruct local police to not participate in gun collection. While the teeth of such resolutions have yet to be tried, the BMA acknowledged that it did serve to let other decision makers know the stance of the town on the second amendment rights.
Tuesday, Alderman Kesterson brought a motion to approve the resolution that would declare the Town of Dandridge a Gun Sanctuary Municipality and he was 2nd by Alderman Reese. The motion was unanimously approved and received an ovation from some meeting attendees.
