Michigan gun laws have a little something to make each side of the debate angry, or happy, depending on how you look at it. It’s one of several states where guns can be openly carried in public places without a permit. But the state also is the most restrictive in the country when it comes to certain public places. Here are some quotes from the heated debate.
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"Every person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of himself and the state."
–
Michigan state Constitution
"In general… a private property owner can turn away anyone they want as long as they are not discriminating against protected classes (race, gender, religion, disability, and possibly others depending on the state)... If you as a private property owner want to turn away someone because they are exercising their right to open carry, they have the right to do so."
–John Pierce, co-founder of OpenCarry.org.
mlive.com
“(We) advocate for businesses to step up where our federal laws have failed us and ask people to keep guns at home…. I think that we all have a duty to respect one another's rights. I respect you enough to respect your rights to want to own these guns and you should respect my right to want to keep my family safe."
–Lizzie Ulmer, Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America.
mlive.com
"We don't want people who are out here who have mental issues. Unfortunately some people with mental issues are getting access to guns."
–Terry Johnson, Detroit gun safety teacher.
WXYZ.com
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"I support open carry because if my gun isn't hidden, a person who might want to mess with you wouldn't if they've seen it.. That's the choice they're going to make: 'Do I want to mess with you (after seeing a weapon)?'"
–Elijah Woody, arrested by Detroit police for open carrying.
Detroit Free Press
"The (Detroit police) don't like open carry and they are going to abuse people who do… Bottom line is they're not doing anything illegal.”
–Jim Makowski, attorney.
Detroit Free Press
"More guns in the community have not made us safer, and more guns still will not make us safe. But sensible gun laws will.”
–Lansing, Michigan Mayor Virg Bernero.
Detroit Free Press
"After Newtown (Connecticut), I thought, 'Oh my gosh, legislation is going to come in now, no problem.' And then when I watch what the Senate is doing and the (National Rifle Association) is doing to combat some very sensible laws ... I thought, 'I have to do something.’"
–Lynn Bartley, East Lansing, Michigan resident.
Detroit Free Press
"Where does (gun control legislation) stop?"
–Terri Stocke, Novi, Michigan resident.
Detroit Free Press
This article does not constitute legal advice. Check the current gun laws of your state and destination before travel.
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