Iowa Pushes to Add The Right to Bear Arms to Constitution

Did you realize that Iowa is one of six states whose state constitution does not include the right to bear arms? I'll admit that I sure didn't. Like most Iowans, I just assumed that since that right was in our nation's Constitution, it must be the state version as well. However, a group of 2nd Amendment supporters is working to change this oversight in Iowa law.

KWWL reports that a group with be gathering at the Iowa Statehouse on February 24th for 'Second Amendment Day'. The gathering is to show support for a referendum that will go before Iowa voters in November. The proposed amendment to add the right to bear arms passed the last two Iowa General Assemblies as required by law before it can go on to the voters.

According to KWWL, the Iowa Firearms Coalition will bring in speakers to talk to supporters and opponents about the so-called 'Freedom Amendment'. The amendment was passed with bipartisan support in the Iowa Statehouse. But why does Iowa need to add the second amendment? Aren't the citizens in Iowa protected by the 2nd Amendment in the U.S. Constitution?

According to McDonald v. Chicago, 561 U.S. 3025 (2010), the 2nd Amendment in the U.S. Constitution was found to be fully incorporated with the 14th Amendment, meaning that it limits state and local governments the same way it limits the federal government. So why push so hard to add the measure here in Iowa when our rights are already firmly established? Perhaps to join all the other states who have done so. Maybe it's an effort to pass something tied to a hot button topic. Either way, it looks like it will eventually happen in the Hawkeye state.