Gov. Healey strongly opposes challenge to new gun reform law

BOSOTN (WWLP) – Governor Healey says she will strongly oppose suspension of the new Massachusetts gun reform law as gun owners and lobby groups have filed a federal lawsuit and begun the process to repeal it.

The law includes new methods to track ghost guns, strengthens the “red-flag law” that allows courts to remove guns from the procession of those considered a threat, and adds schools, government buildings, and polling places to the list of areas where firearms are prohibited.

The Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL) Executive Director, Jim Wallace, says this law is quote “a flat-out ban on the Second Amendment regardless of what they tell people.”

GOAL filed a federal lawsuit challenging new licensing provisions just days after the bill was signed, and more lawsuits are expected to follow.

While GOAL will not be organizing the effort to repeal the law, initial signatures to begin the petition process have been filed with the Secretary of the Commonwealth, Bill Galvin. Similar organizations are also looking to suspend the law until a vote to repeal it can be taken, but Governor Healey says she will “absolutely” not let that happen.

“[This law] has the widespread support of law enforcement, and it’s just the right move we need to make in the state to make it safer,” Gov. Healey said on Monday.

The governor has the authority to file an emergency preamble which would prevent the law from being suspended during the petition process.

As of Wednesday, Governor Healey has not yet indicated if she will be pursuing this route.

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