Gun Owner Sanctuaries: Illinois Communities Become Pro-Gun Refuge

EFFINGHAM, IL — "If you can be a sanctuary county for undocumented immigrants, why can't you be one for firearms?" Effingham County State's Attorney Bryan Kibler asked that question before Effingham became one of two Illinois communities to official become sanctuary cities for gun owners. On Monday, Jefferson County in Southern Illinois became the second community to follow suit as its county board unanimously passed a similar resolution.

Jefferson County's vote came less than a week after Effingham — with only one "no" vote — declared itself a haven for gun owners.

“The state of Illinois is trying to take our rights away and I’m totally against that, how can that be wrong?” Jefferson County board member Randy Edwards said, according to WSILTV. Edwards was the one who proposed the gun sanctuary resolution, the outlet said.

The largely symbolic Effingham resolution states the county will not enforce laws that "unconstitutionally restrict the Second Amendment." Sheriff Dave Mahon told the Effingham Daily News that the decision does not affect how the sheriff's department operates. He said if a potentially unconstitutional gun law were to be passed, he would consult with the state's attorney and Illinois Sheriff's Association to determine what action to take.

Perry County Sheriff Steve Bareis told WSIL that his county, also in Southern Illinois, is considering a similar resolution. That could happen as soon as next week, Bareis said.

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