As technological advancements continue, government should not be able to undermine constitutional protections simply by regulating the tools, components, or accessories associated with exercising a constitutionally protected right.
Perhaps most importantly, Issue 2 establishes the highest level of constitutional protection for this fundamental right. When government seeks to restrict a right recognized as natural and fundamental, it must meet an exceptionally high constitutional burden. Courts should not rely on speculative assertions, generalized interests, or policy preferences alone as sufficient justification for infringing upon a constitutionally protected right.
The intent of Issue 2 is not to expand government authority over firearms, but rather to strengthen the constitutional protections that already exist by creating a more robust barrier between the individual and government interference.
This is why public education and civic engagement are so important.
This issue transcends any single law, individual, organization, or election. It is about affirming in our state Constitution that this right belongs to the people—and that government must meet the highest constitutional standard before it may be restricted.
We encourage all Arkansans to review the text of Issue 2, ask informed questions, and participate in the constitutional process.
Rights are best protected when citizens understand them and are prepared to defend them.
Most importantly, Issue 2 would make the right to keep and bear arms in Arkansas more explicitly protected than it is under the current language of both the U.S. Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution. It does this by expressly recognizing the right as natural, fundamental, and individual, while stating that it shall not be infringed.
Gun Owners of Arkansas encourages every supporter of this fundamental right to learn what Issue 2 does and make an informed decision when voting this November. The constitutional protections Arkansans establish today will shape the rights passed on to future generations.
