State Rep. Greg Markkanen today voted to support a resolution adopted by the Michigan House to reaffirm the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms in Michigan.

The right to use firearms for self-defense is ensured and protected by the constitutions of the United States and Michigan, and Markkanen said he took an oath as a state representative to defend both constitutions.

“The right to bear arms is prominently written into the documents upon which our society is built – and yet this essential principle is constantly under attack,” said Markkanen, of Hancock. “We must stand up for the rights of law-abiding citizens to protect themselves, their families and their property in Michigan.”

Markkanen said he co-sponsored the resolution as a show of support for law-abiding gun owners who carry for self-defense, hunting and competition.

House Resolution 227 clearly states the Michigan Legislature will not pass laws that infringe upon the ability of Michigan residents to own and keep firearms. It also says the Legislature “will ensure legislation in violation of our constitutional right to bear arms will not be imposed upon the citizens of Michigan by either the federal government or itself and would view such infringements as violations of both the Second Amendment and the Constitution of the State of Michigan of 1963.”

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