ALGOP chair John Wahl backs efforts to pass constitutional carry — ‘The people of Alabama should never be charged a fee for exercising their constitutional right’

Alabama Republican Party (ALGOP) chairman John Wahl on Monday announced his support of the House GOP Caucus’ inclusion of constitutional carry in its policy agenda for the 2022 regular legislative session.

Second Amendment advocates see this legislative session as being their best shot in recent times at solidifying law that would end the requirement to purchase pistol permits for law-abiding citizens.

Wahl reaffirmed his party’s support for legislation that reinforces the right of Alabamians to lawfully obtain and carry firearms.

“Constitutional Carry is an important piece of legislation, and I am proud to see the Alabama House Republican Caucus add it to their 2022 legislative agenda,” stated Wahl. “The Alabama Republican Party firmly believes in the Second Amendment, and the right of the American people to keep and bear arms. We fully support the House Caucus on this issue.”

In addition to passing constitutional carry, the Alabama House GOP Caucus also looks to enact legislation that would shield state law enforcement from enforcing gun control executive orders handed down from the Biden administration that the state deems to be federal overreach.

Wahl added, “As the Biden Administration and liberal Democrats continue to ignore the constitution, as well as the rights and freedoms our nation was founded on, it has become even more important that we have leadership on the state level that will defend our rights and values.”

The ALGOP chairman went on to praise House Bill 66 sponsored by State Rep. Shane Stringer (R-Citronelle). Stringer’s bill holds the support of more than 40 House Republicans, including House Speaker Mac McCutcheon (R-Monrovia).

“The right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental American freedom, and deserves to be protected,” continued Wahl. “The people of Alabama should never be charged a fee for exercising their constitutional right. Alabama is a pro-Second Amendment state, and State Representative Shane Stringer’s legislation goes a long way to address and protect this fundamental right.”

The Alabama Sheriffs Association (ASA) has publicly expressed its opposition to the constitutional carry campaign. The National Association for Gun Rights recently stated its intentions to heavily involve itself with lobbying efforts aimed at combating ASA and those opposed to the gun rights legislation.

Wahl concluded, “I want to thank bill sponsor Shane Stringer, Platform Committee Chairman Randall Shedd, and Majority Leader Nathaniel Ledbetter for their leadership on the 2022 caucus agenda. I am proud of the House Republican Caucus’ commitment to pass this bill in spite of opposition from special interest groups and the Democratic establishment.”

Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL