Yesterday, in a show of flagrant disregard for the errors rampant in the legislation before them, the Maryland Senate voted 28-19 to concur with House amendments to Senate Bill 281. Following months of debate over the unconstitutionality and adverse effect of this legislation, Senate Bill 281 now goes to Governor Martin O’Malley (D) for his signature. With a few pen strokes, O’Malley intends to scribble out the Second Amendment in Maryland – to make the point that his own personal political agenda is more important than protecting the Constitution he is sworn to uphold and the civil rights of Marylanders.
Senate Bill 281 does not contain solutions that will prevent criminals from committing unlawful deeds, nor does it protect the law-abiding residents of Maryland from such criminal acts. In fact, on multiple occasions, amendments were rejected that would have done just that. Instead, Senate Bill 281 will disenfranchise those who wish to defend themselves from criminal threats using the most effective and efficient means possible.
During the months leading up to this final vote, Maryland residents came out by the thousands in opposition to Senate Bill 281. More Second Amendment advocates showed up in Annapolis for rallies than have ever attended in recent memory. This show of opposition was overlooked by those legislators who blindly bent to the Governor’s pressure and voted in support of Senate Bill 281. Thank you to those senators and delegates who listened to logic, reason and the voices of their constituents throughout this process and voted in opposition to Senate Bill 281 and its companion, House Bill 294.
Using the contact information provided, please call and e-mail to thank the nineteen state Senators below who helped protect the fundamental rights of Maryland residents by voting against concurrence yesterday.
Senator John C. Astle
410-841-3578
Senator David Brinkley
301-858-3704
Senator Richard Colburn
410-841-3590
Senator James DeGrange Sr.
410-841-3593
Senator Roy Dyson
301-858-3673
Senator George Edwards
301-858-3565
Senator Joseph Getty
410-841-3683
Senator Barry Glassman
410-841-3603
Senator Nancy Jacobs
410-841-3158
Senator J.B. Jennings
410-841-3706
Senator Allan Kittleman
410-841-3671
Senator Katherine Klausmeier
410-841-3620
Senator James Mathias Jr.
410-841-3645
Senator Thomas Middleton
301-858-3616
Senator E.J. Pipkin
410-841-3639
Senator Edward Reilly
410-841-3568
Senator Christopher Shank
301-858-3903
Senator Bryan Simonaire
410-841-3658
Senator Norman Stone Jr.
410-841-3587