Eric Darbe, The Massachusetts News 

Boston, January 12 -- The Libertarian Party of Massachusetts, working with Representative David H. Tuttle and Senator Stephen M. Brewer, recently filed legislation calling for the repeal of the Gun Control Act of 1998. 

The act's sponsor, Senator Cheryl Jacques, called the act "the toughest gun control law in the country" when it passed last summer.  The Libertarian Party says that the law was rushed through with little public discussion, was ill-conceived and is cumbersome and unconstitutional.  "Criminals do not politely ask the police if they can have a permit for a gun,"  says Carla Howell, chair of the party.  "The law only harms the innocent." 

"Studies show that crimes against individuals drop sharply in response to the presence of guns in the community," said the party's executive director, Elias Israel. "The best protection for all of us is the right to keep and bear arms." 

Former Libertarian candidate for governor, Dean Cook, warned voters concerned about Second Amendment rights that they have few choices in the Bay State.  "I was the only candidate to stand behind the Second Amendment 100 percent.  The Libertarian Party is still the best friend to the Constitution and gun owners everywhere." 

The legislature will begin consideration of the repeal legislation in January. 
 
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