About 50 people packed a St. Lawrence County meeting this week in support of ignoring New York’s gun laws under the SAFE Act.
It’s the second month in a row gun rights activists have pushed the Board of Legislators to pass a resolution for something called a "Second Amendment Sanctuary."
Similar resolutions have been proposed in rural counties and towns across the country. The movement wants to promote protection of their constitutional rights and prevent enforcement of some state gun laws.
William Nygard of Oswegatchie said he thinks the resolution could make Democratic lawmakers in Albany pay attention.
“I support the abolishment of the SAFE Act, or as some people call it the UNSAFE Act, in its entirety… and sanctuary counties may provide a stepping stone to that abolishment," he said.
So far the county board has resisted action on the issue, insisting it is up to the state to amend its own laws.
“We have no power to amend or rescind or even to pass legislation that the state has the authority to do,” said Joseph Lightfoot, chair of the board.
Although there were fewer speakers at the March meeting, activists say they’ll continue to attend until a resolution is passed.