For those who are in the know, you may have noticed that CoEqualGunRights.org has gone quiet. Dedicated to the improvement and protection of the Second Amendment, Campaign for Equal Gun Rights it is a cause that many of us can get behind.
But what happened to CoEqualGunRights? This is a question that many people — a good majority of which are our supporters — have asked us about.
First, let us assure you that the Campaign is still going strong. We just got a new home at DeerHuntingField.com. Nonetheless, if you are interested in the movement and would like to learn more, here’s the basic information you need to know about CoEqualGunRights.org.
What Is the Campaign for Equal Gun Rights?
It is exactly what it sounded like: an initiative for better, more inclusive firearm-owning regulations.
It is a civil liberty that our rights to bear arms are not infringed. But for the past couple of years, this liberty has been infringed upon on many different occasions. That is how CoEqualGunRights.org came to be.
There are three key points in our initiative:
- Equal Gun Rights for Marijuana Users: Our initiative seeks to change the recognition of marijuana users so that they are treated in the same manner as alcohol users. This will make it easier for them to gain a Concealed Handgun Permit. At the moment, there is a huge disconnect between federal and state (Colorado) laws. While it is entirely legal for marijuana users to own a permit within state laws, it is illegal on a federal scope. We seek to change this.
- Restoration of the Basic Right of Self-Defence: Marijuana users are put into an especially vulnerable state when their basic right of self-defence is stripped away from them. This is regardless of whether they use marijuana legally or illegally, for medical purposes or recreational. Our initiative seeks to restore this elemental right.
- Added Revenue: Concealed Handgun Permit, while useful, is fairly expensive. Applicants must submit a $100 county fee and $52.50 for the CBI fee. Together, for each new applicant, the state and county can receive an extra revenue of $152.5. Obviously, by allowing marijuana users to apply, this will hugely increase incomes.
It’s also important to distinguish what our initiative won’t do.
Laws prohibit the use of firearms while under the influence of marijuana or any other controlled substances. We do not seek to change this.
FURTHER READING
Facts: Why Marijuana Users Should Have Their Self-Defence Rights Restored
At CoEqualGunRights.org, we firmly believe that marijuana users are unfairly treated by the laws. There are good reasons why this is our stance. Here are some of the key facts that you should know about our cause, in case you haven’t read our posts already.
Alcohol Users vs. Marijuana Users
Compared to marijuana users, current laws surrounding Concealed Handgun Permit are far more lenient towards alcohol users. In Colorado, one of the criteria for getting a handgun is:
“You do not chronically and habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that your normal faculties are impaired (unless you have an affidavit signed by a licensed professional addiction specialist confirming you have refrained from using alcohol for at least three years)”.
In contrast, once marijuana users have a record of using — legally or else — they could have their application denied altogether.
Does Marijuana Cause Violence? — Experts Say No
Many studies have shown that alcohol use contributes to aggressive and violent behaviors. Meanwhile, the link between marijuana and violence has been disputed for a long time. There is little evidence that supports violent tendencies in marijuana users, unlike alcohol users.
Behind federal laws prohibiting marijuana users from accessing their firearms is the false notion that marijuana causes violence.
As you can see, it does anything but. It is unjust to discriminate against marijuana users when there are significant leniency given to alcohol users — a substance that’s far more dangerous — when it comes to firearm laws.
Alcohol Users Commit Far More Violent Crimes
Compared to marijuana users, people under the influence of alcohol commit far more violent crimes. As much as 40% of inmates incarcerated for violent crimes were under the influence of alcohol.
Meanwhile, the government doesn’t even track marijuana-involved crimes. There are simply too few instances of crimes committed by people under the influence of marijuana.
Most of the crimes committed under the name of marijuana were done due to the marijuana prohibition and proliferation of a criminal market for the plant. Of course, this will inevitably lead to acts of violence.
Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault in Alcohol Users
It is a known fact that alcohol users are far more likely to commit domestic abuse and sexual assaults while under influence. The WHO estimated that 55% of domestic abuse perpetrators were drinking alcohol prior to the assault. In almost half of sexual assault cases, the perpetrators used alcohol, as well.
In contrast, there is very little evidence that suggests marijuana has the same effect. As a matter of fact, it has been found that the decriminalization of marijuana has “reduced domestic assaults involving serious injuries by 18%”.
For this reason, it is unthinkable that alcohol users receive a relatively far more lenient treatment in the eyes of the law compared to marijuana users. Ultimately, it is the reason why this initiative exists.
Absorption to DeerHuntingField.com
So, at the end of the day, if you believe in our cause, we owe you an explanation for the lack of activity on our main site.
Like we said earlier, CoEqualGunRights still exist. We just move our home elsewhere — DeerHuntingField.com
This is simply a change in hosting site. Our initiative, aims, leadership, and structure will remain largely the same. You don’t have to worry if you’re invested!
Conclusion
We sincerely thank you for your support of the initiative for the past couple of months. With this status update, we hope you’re finally at ease with the situation.
Some Great Article From CoEqualGunRights.org
➜ Facts