See online at http://utgunrights.com/alertsupdates/2020/update021420.htm
"Guns Save Lives" Event: Feb. 20th at Utah Capitol
The following is a public service announcement for an event organized by the Utah Gun Exchange. Below it are two warnings, a note, and a disclaimer by UT Gun Rights.
[START OF ANNOUNCEMENT]
MAKE YOUR VOICE BE HEARD at the GUNS SAVE LIVES EVENT
Come to the State Capitol
WHEN: Thursday, February 20th 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
WHERE: Utah State Capitol – Hall of the Governors Room below the Capitol Rotunda (this is on the first floor)
WHAT: We will be meeting and letting our Representatives and Senators know, in person, how we will be voting when it comes to Gun Legislation being presented in Utah. There will be an official agenda and briefing with the attendees before we do a parade inside the Capitol. We will take pictures together on the inside stairs in front of the chamber doors of the House of Representatives. We will also work to meet with our Representatives and Senators while there.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring yourself and smile; no signs, flags, etc. Concealed Carry is requested if a person chooses to carry. This is a different type of event than what is usually done. Future events may involve plans for open carry, but not this one.
DRESS CODE: This event will have a dress code and we ask that you come dressed in CLEAN CASUAL or BUSINESS CASUAL fashion. Uniform blue and white GUNS SAVE LIVES tee shirts and stickers will be provided to the attendees to wear and show our strength, unity and support of the 2nd Amendment.
WHAT TO LEAVE BEHIND: Signs, Flags and other symbols normally seen at a Pro 2A Freedom Rally.
We created a list of Volunteer contact information from the Rally on Feb. 8th for those who want to attend the next event themed GUNS SAVE LIVES. If you would like to volunteer to attend the GUNS SAVE LIVES event or register for future events and did not sign our volunteer list at the Rally, you can email us at info@utahgunexchange.com and let us know that you want to be on that list. We will be sending out regular updates for future events to everyone on that list.
To keep informed on the status of current 2A-related legislation in Utah, please visit the Utah Shooting Sports Council at: https://utahshootingsportscouncil.org/219-2/
[END OF ANNOUNCEMENT]
UT Gun Rights Warnings, Note, and Disclaimer:
Warning Regarding Unholstered Open Carry: Many have sought clarification regarding Utah's open carry statutes with regard to rifles and shotguns. UT Gun Rights does NOT provide legal advice or counsel, however, the following article should be seriously considered: "2014's Trojan Horse: Lessons for Utah Gun Owners."
Regardless of opinions to the contrary, or whether Statute Enforcement Agents (SEAs) currently enforce the statute consistently, Utah legislators involved in the drafting and enactment of HB 276 in 2014 repeatedly and publicly asserted that, under their bill, OPEN CARRY WEAPONS MUST BE HOLSTERED OR ENCASED. See the aforementioned article for their quotes.
Warning Regarding Utah's Prohibition Against Political Free Speech: This event involves communicating with legislators. Be advised that, in 1991, the Utah legislature enacted the following abhorrent statute:
Threats to influence official or political action.
(1) A person is guilty of a class A misdemeanor if he threatens any harm to a public servant, party official, or voter with a purpose of influencing his action, decision, opinion, recommendation, nomination, vote, or other exercise of discretion.
(2) As used in this section:
(a) "Harm" means ANY disadvantage or injury, pecuniary or otherwise, including disadvantage or injury to any other person or entity in whose welfare the public servant, party official, or voter is interested.
(b) "Public servant" does not include jurors.
Source: Utah state state 76-8-104 [bold and bold caps added]
In other words, if you, in any way, "threaten" to "harm" an official's precious political interests, one of these cowardly snowflakes can theoretically seek to have you arrested and charged with a Class A Misdemeanor, punishable by up to 364 days in jail and a fine of as much as $2,500.
Phrases like, "If you vote for gun control, I'll vote you out of office," may be viewed as "threatening harm." Whether this statute can hold up in court is another matter. However, no court experience is free or without risk to the defendant.
And that was/is the statutory intent: To stifle free speech (i.e. a "chilling effect") and to attempt to force Citizens to cower in fear before corrupt, disgusting, and abusive politicians.
Note: MANY gun control bills are being fast-tracked through the Utah legislature. Learn more at the 2020 Bill Tracking Page: The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly.
Disclaimer: UT Gun Rights does not necessarily endorse all of the views expressed by event sponsors, organizers, or participants. You are encouraged to conduct your own research and develop your own conclusions.
