Gun Control Law On LA Ballot Next Week

This November's election will include a vote on a proposed amendment to the Louisiana constitution that would address the right to keep and bear arms.  Proponents of the amendment including State Senator Neil Riser, Representative Chris Broadwater and Blake Miguez of the History Channel's "Top Shot" appeared on 'Mornings With Ken and Bernie' today to discuss the issue.  The amendment if approved would require 'strict scrutiny' be applied to any measure that would restrict the right to keep and bear arms.  Joining us by telephone Senator Riser said,

Strict scrutiny is reserved for fundamental rights which gives you the highest protection you can have for a right you can have...Freedom of speech, the right to vote and the right to keep and bear arms are fundamental rights. They are given the highest level of protection. Before any given law can be imposed on them the lawmaker has to have a compelling interest.

When asked why such a change was needed considering the Constitution already gives citizens to keep and bear arms Rep. Broadwater said,

What strict scrutiny does is require the least restrictive method to impose a law...A restriction must be narrowly targeted to address a problem.

We asked Miguez why he was supporting the amendment and he replied,

Basically a voter has to ask "Is this a privilege or is this a fundamental right?"  I am of the opinion that this is a fundamental right given to us by our founding fathers.

Listen to the interview: