FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1st, 2012
REF: OPEN CARRY OVERLAND PARK
The Libertarian Party of Kansas publically challenged the unconstitutional ban on the open carry of firearms in Overland Park, KS last February of 2012 with the full support of The Kansas State Rifle Association. On September 24, 2012 the Overland Park City Council voted 11-1 to recognize the constitutional rights of Overland Park citizens to bear arms.
With the passage of the constitutional amendment to the Kansas Bill of Rights in 2010, every Kansas resident has an undeniable right to bear arms. The Kansas constitution states - ‘A person has the right to keep and bear arms for the defense of self, family, home and state, for lawful hunting and recreational use, and for any other lawful purpose’. In addition to the amendment, the Kansas open carry law (K.S.A. 12-16,124) is clear that counties and cities may regulate open carry but not institute a complete ban.
We appreciate those who did the right thing by supporting individual rights, and current Kansas law, irrespective of personal gain. We appreciate the sustained support of The Kanas State Rifle Association, the fortitude of Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning, the Overland Park police department, city management and legal team. Finally, we are grateful to the City Council for upholding the public trust and voting to accept the rule of law.
Even with the recent actions of Wichita and Overland Park recognizing their citizens’ constitutional rights, there are still cities in Kansas who continue infringing on their residents’ ability to exercise their God given/natural rights in the face of Kansas law. Wyandotte County Unified Government, Kansas City, KS, continues to ignore communications from the Libertarian Party, and opinions of the Kansas Attorney General, related to its own unconstitutional ban on open carry.
This denial of inherent truth will not stand! Our efforts will continue until all law abiding citizens in Kansas have the unassailable freedom to exercise their 2nd Amendment right to bear arms by open carry.
The Libertarian Party openly and activity fights daily for individual rights/liberties of the citizens of Kansas. The legal right to personal security of life and property at all times are paramount.
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CONTACTS:
Al Terwelp
State Chairman
bigalkansas@gmail.com
785-665-7581
Earl McIntosh
Second Amendment Chair
etmcintosh@cox.net
785-213-1715
The Libertarian Party of Kansas
Individual Liberty, Personal Responsibility
P.O. Box 2456
Wichita, KS 67201
1-800-335-1776
www.lpks.org
