While there was a fair amount of mocking of sanctuary states by those opposed to liberal laws on immigration, that term is now being co-opted by individuals who wish to retain their Second Amendment gun rights.
So-called sanctuary counties and states are growing in number. These places often have law enforcement professionals who have made the decision to protect the rights of their citizens regardless of the legislation liberal lawmakers are pushing through. There are still pockets of dissension even in the most left-wing of states where individuals are able to continue to use and carry their firearms. States such as Oklahoma have a much more common-sense approach to gun rights — yet one more reason to consider moving to this stunning state.
Non-Permit Carry Legal in Oklahoma
While other states and counties are passing restrictive gun laws that limit the Second Amendment rights of all Americans, Oklahoma has the right idea. As of November 1, 2019, anyone aged 21 or older will be allowed to carry firearms in public without requiring a permit. The law is even more generous for veterans, reserve military members and those in active duty: anyone over the age of 18 in these categories will also be able to carry.
While lawmakers do recommend that everyone who will be carrying a weapon receive the proper instruction, there are no legal requirements for this training. Responsible firearm owners are often the biggest proponents of training to ensure that the weapons are used safely at all times. This includes understanding how to speak to children about guns, safe storage recommendations and more.
Limited Restrictions on Concealed Carry
There are a few limited restrictions within the law. For instance, individuals who have been convicted of a felony, convicted of domestic violence, or are under medical care for their mental health will not be allowed to carry firearms. The one consideration is that anyone on Cherokee lands or within tribal holdings will not be allowed to carry firearms. The restrictions in that space are tight: only law enforcement personnel, licensed guards and those who are actively hunting are allowed to carry firearms.
Even so, law enforcement professionals are quite permissive in the application of the law. If an individual is carrying illegally on Cherokee Nation land, they will still be given an opportunity to remove the weapons quietly as long as they are being observant of the law.
Far from limiting concealed carry, lawmakers in Oklahoma regularly recommend that people not carry their weapons in the open stating that it could make others feel uncomfortable. Federal laws currently require a mandatory background check for anyone purchasing a firearm at a store, and this is the law that is in effect on Cherokee land. Private landowners and university campus officials are able to set their own firearm policies, yet another way that Oklahoma makes itself attractive to gun owners throughout the country. The focus in this state seems to be on allowing people to self-police their use of firearms, a solid step in the right direction that other states could follow.
~ Firearm Daily
