Editorial: The Ohio Constitution is so clear [on CCW]

The Canton Repository has printed their second pro-concealed carry reform article this week. This time, it's in the form of an editorial representing the paper's official view.

The paper uses the Ohio Constitution as their backbone, and recognizes the clarity of Article I, Section 4, quoting it in their piece. They even go so far are recognize those who believe that even HB12's restrictions may not stand up to a Constitutional challenge, and point out that "absolutists" can test their theory in court when HB12 passes.

Click here to read the full story in the Canton Repository, or click the "Read More..." link below for an archived version.

Two bills passed; one of them good
Friday, March 14, 2003

In a busy day for the Ohio House of Representatives Wednesday, lawmakers passed a gun bill and approved a new drunken driving standard. We applaud the gun bill. There is nothing to like about the drunken driving bill, unless you like the paternalism of the U.S. Congress.

According to the Ohio Constitution, “The people have the right to bear arms for their defense and security; but standing armies, in time of peace, are dangerous to liberty, and shall not be kept up; and the military shall be in strict subordination to the civil power.”

If you compare it to the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, Ohio’s guarantee of the right to have a weapon is more clear. There is no ambiguous “militia” clause to inspire debate. Because the Ohio Constitution is so clear, the legislation permitting Ohioans to carry a concealed weapon is appropriate. In our view, so are safeguards written into the law that require safety training, a license and background checks. No right is absolute, as we First Amendment zealots in the news business have come to understand. A little regulation will keep concealed carry from becoming the second coming of Dodge City.

Absolutists would say that even this much legislation is unconstitutional. They’re welcome to test their theory in court if the Ohio Senate approves the legislation and it becomes law.