PRESS RELEASE: U.S. Representative Massie Proposes Repeal of Federal Gun Free School Zones Act

“Gun free zones prevent law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves, and create vulnerable populations that are targeted by criminals”

WASHINGTON – Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY) introduced H.R. 133, the Citizens Protection Act of 2013, which would repeal the Gun Free School Zones Act of 1990.

The bill, originally introduced by Rep. Ron Paul (R-TX) in 2007, repeals the Gun Free School Zones Act (GFSZA) of 1990, which made it “unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe is a school zone.” In 1995, the Supreme Court held the GFSZA unconstitutional, which prompted Congress to amend the bill in 1996. The Supreme Court has not ruled on the constitutionality of the amended Act.

“Gun free school zones are ineffective. They make people less safe by inviting criminals into target-rich, no-risk environments,” said Massie. “Gun free zones prevent law-abiding citizens from protecting themselves, and create vulnerable populations that are targeted by criminals.”

Massie’s bill comes on the heels of mounting pressure from President Obama and others for heightened gun restrictions.

Representative Massie concluded: “A bigger federal government can’t solve this problem. Weapons bans and gun free zones are unconstitutional. They do not and cannot prevent criminals or the mentally ill from committing acts of violence. But they often prevent victims of such violence from protecting themselves.”

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