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NORWALK Gun owners and non-gun owners alike are taking issue with a new proposal that would ban the weapons on city properties, with some arguing the rule would infringe on their constitutional rights.

According to Common Council Ordinance Committee Chair Lisa Shanahan, the group received over 250 emails prior to its Tuesday meeting with feedback on the committees look at city gun ordinances, which could include a proposed ban from carrying in city buildings.

Despite the outcry over the proposal, Shanahan said the committee is continuing to research and discuss the issue. A vote on the item was tabled after over two hours of comments and discussions.

Over a dozen people both gun owners and non-gun owners spoke at Tuesdays meeting against the proposed ban. Concerns ranged from the potential of the ordinance to make criminals out of legal gun owners to the proposal contradicting the Second Amendment, which protects the right of citizens to keep and bear arms.

This is a huge infringement on the Second Amendment rights, said Norwalk resident Mallory Stevens. Given the current climate, this is an overstep of the government on our personal choices. I havent seen someone whos law-abiding cause a problem. ... Its about keeping our constitutional rights and you guys not infringing on that.

Norwalks ordinance would apparently be allowed by Connecticut state law, which states the issuance of any permit to carry a pistol or revolver does not thereby authorize the possession or carrying of a pistol or revolver in any premises where the possession or carrying of a pistol or revolver is otherwise prohibited by law or is prohibited by the person who owns or exercises control over such premises.

Permitting laws do not distinguish between concealed and open carry.

Several committee members revealed they have gun permits and could be affected by this proposal.

People that have the most to lose are responsible already. Thats why we received so much outcry, said committee member Manny Langella, who added he has a gun permit and grew up hunting. Theres a balance between public safety and a right to carry a legal firearm. Its hard for me to support this change when the police chief has validated theres little to no complaint.

Langella said he was particularly concerned about what penalties would be in put in place for people who violate the potential ordinance. The committee has not settled on this yet, but said they would look at other towns for guidance, though Langella said he was cautious about doing so.

I dont think all towns are created equal, Langella said. This is one of the most difficult things to look to other towns for guidance. Where I grew up, people hunt as a way of living. ... Theres a delicacy we have to look at here. The right thing to do is for us to table this, do more research and go through public comments.

In addition to concerns about penalties, many speakers said they were worried about how the proposal would affect their ability to protect themselves; this was particularly a concern for people of color who said they are concerned about the potential of a bigoted attack.

Norwalk resident Peter Choi, a licensed gun carrier, said he has been attacked verbally for being Asian-American and carries to protect himself.

Verbal harassment can quickly elevate to physical harassment and, as a result, I consider concealed carry critical in maintaining safety of myself and loved ones, he said. I fear this proposal will primarily punish responsible, law-abiding citizens such as myself.

Committee member David Heuvelman said he grew up with guns, but has his doubts that private citizens who carry are trained to adequately respond in a dangerous situation. Heuvelman, who has a gun permit, added he was concerned about how guns can escalate situations in a public setting.

Im a concealed-carry holder and I would never think to carry in a city park, Heuvelman said. It made me stop and think about when I come around the corner and someone perceives my dog as an animal threat, could that potentially spark a situation? ... I want to make sure were doing this the right way and serving everyone.

One speaker Tuesday was in favor of the ordinance, and Ordinance Committee Chair Lisa Shanahan said many more emailed expressing support. She also clarified the ordinance would only affect city buildings, not streets, sidewalks or parking garages. And the discussion will continue after Tuesday night.

We recognize we have further work to do on this ordinance and further research to do, Shanahan said. The intent is to make city premises workplace gun-free zones. We tried to make it as clear as possible what buildings are covered by this. Theres been a lot of misunderstanding and I want to be very clear on what this will and wont address.

Committee member Tom Livingston, who grew up trap shooting, added there are exceptions to the Second Amendment and many legislative bodies, including Congress, do not allow guns where they gather. By creating the ordinance, city buildings such as the library and the senior center, would be covered, he said, and signage would make it so law-abiding citizens would not mistakenly violate the ordinance when entering these places.

He added that he felt it was better to enact such a rule now before there is a problem and its too late.

erin.kayata@hearstmediact.com

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'A huge infringement': Norwalk to do further research after community feedback on proposed gun ban - CT Insider