State Sen. Allen on constitutional carry push: ‘The permit issue is infringement on our rights to bear arms’

A long-standing proponent of so-called constitutional carry, referred to as permitless carry by its detractors, over the years has been State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa).

Despite his efforts failing in the past, there is some optimism this could be the year the Alabama Legislature passes a “constitutional carry,” given the names and co-sponsors of an effort pre-filed in the Alabama Legislature.

Allen told Mobile radio FM Talk 106.5 why he remains a supporter of constitutional carry by arguing gun permits were an infringement of Second Amendment rights.

“[W]hat’s been developing here is I certainly feel like citizens across the state who feel very much like I do, is that you should not have to pay a fee to fulfill your right as a citizen of the state and the country, as far as being a member of the country of the United States — you shouldn’t have to pay a fee to defend yourself, your family, your properties — and it’s a right,” Allen said. “Some may see it as a privilege when you purchase a permit. The Second Amendment is precious to us all, and myself, along with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, took an oath of office to defend the Constitution. And I do feel like the permit issue is infringement on our rights to bear arms. And you shouldn’t have to pay a fee for it.”

“At the same time, we’re not going to do away with the permit at all because you and I and others may want to travel across state lines,” he continued. “It is my hope that one day you can travel across state lines without worrying about having a permit. But — certainly, I’m a permit carrier, and I travel across state lines. And certainly, that is one thing I’m going to make sure the public understands we’re not doing away with the permit. But at the same time, there shouldn’t be a fee on it. If I want to be able to carry a weapon, I shouldn’t be required to pay a fee.”

“It’s a movement by the people of this great state that is creating this issue, coming to light like it is,” Allen added. “Of course, I’ve been involved in this for several years, as you know.”

@Jeff_Poor is a graduate of Auburn University and the University of South Alabama, the editor of Breitbart TV, a columnist for Mobile’s Lagniappe Weekly, and host of Mobile’s “The Jeff Poor Show” from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on FM Talk 106.5.