Gun-rights advocates rally in Pa. Capitol

4/24/2007, 3:23 p.m. EDT
By MARK SCOLFORO
The Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Hundreds of gun-rights advocates packed the state Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday as a group of state lawmakers, mostly Republicans, advocated proposals to expand those rights.

Several participants mentioned their opposition to a bill introduced by a Philadelphia state representative to require annual registration of most guns and a $10-a-gun yearly fee. The bill's sponsor has acknowledged it has no chance of passing, and many at the rally vehemently opposed it.

"Criminals will not tell you how many guns they have and pay a tax on it," said Charles McKelly, a 69-year-old retiree from Hershey. He said the proposal would cost him a substantial sum to pay fees for the weapons he keeps for hunting, clay-pigeon shooting and self-defense.

Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, said he wants to eliminate a gun-sales database maintained by the Pennsylvania State Police and allow people who can show they are in "imminent danger" to be quickly issued temporary permits to carry concealed weapons.

Rep. Dick Stevenson, R-Mercer, proposed allowing those with valid concealed-weapons permits to buy guns without having to go through the criminal-background checks currently required of all gun purchasers.

The event was organized and dominated by Republicans, although some Democratic lawmakers participated.

"House Democratic opinions run the gamut on these issues," said Tom Andrews, a spokesman for House Majority Leader Bill DeWeese, D-Greene.

The legislation that would require gun registration and $10 fees prompted two men to hold up a banner at the rally saying the bill's Democratic sponsor, Rep. Angel Cruz, "should be hung from the tree of liberty for treasonous acts against the constitution."

Paul Estus, of Ridgway, who was holding up the banner, said the lynching tree was "just a figure of speech."

"You've got to make a stand," he said.

Metcalfe condemned the banner, saying rally organizers had nothing to do with it.

"That sign is not appropriate," he said.

Cruz said the banner showed "their true colors," and that some of the many protesters who visited his office after the rally were "a little hostile."

Despite overwhelming opposition in the House, Cruz said he is standing by the bill. Four of five co-sponsors have already withdrawn their support, and DeWeese has promised to "consign it to oblivion."

"It's my bill and I am not running from it," Cruz said. "A good legislator dances to the song that he chose."
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