Memphis Faces Gun Control Referendum Showdown
In a city grappling with important safety concerns, the debate over gun control is heating up. Recently, Memphis has stirred the pot with a proposed referendum that aims to bring significant changes to its gun lawsโif voters approve it this coming November. But the road ahead isn’t as smooth as some might hope.
Whatโs on the Ballot?
Back in July, the Memphis City Council voted to place a referendum on the fall ballot, giving residents a chance to weigh in on some serious gun control measures. If all goes well, voters would be able to decide whether to amend the cityโs charter to:
- Ban the sale of assault weapons
- Implement red flag laws
- Require gun owners to secure their firearms at home
This initiative comes on the heels of alarming crime statisticsโMemphis recorded a staggering 398 homicides last year, making community safety a top priority for city leaders.
The Pushback from State Officials
However, Tennessee’s Attorney General, Jonathan Skrmetti, hasnโt exactly rolled out the welcome mat for this referendum. He has labeled the city’s efforts as a โfutile stuntโ and argues that it wastes both time and resources. In his statement, he emphasized, โThese ballot questions are a fraud on the voters of Memphis. They will not change the law.โ
Adding to the tension, Governor Bill Lee and other state Republicans have strongly opposed the referendum, warning that it could lead to a confrontation between local and state government. In fact, there were even threats of withholding state sales tax revenue from the city as a form of punishment.
Legal Wrangling Ensues
As the drama unfolds, the Shelby County Election Commission had initially taken down the gun control referendum from the November ballot, following input from state election coordinator Mark Goins. This decision prompted Memphis city officials to file a lawsuit against the commission, arguing for the referendum’s necessity. They asserted that the questions presented to voters are still proposals, since the charter has not yet been amended.
On September 11, a judge ruled in favor of Memphis, stating that the three proposed gun control questions could indeed appear on the November ballot. While this is good news for supporters, it remains uncertain whether they will ultimately end up on the ballots come November.
Local Voices in the Conversation
City Council Member Jerri Green has taken a firm stance, describing Memphis as โbleeding outโ in terms of gun violence awareness and intervention. Green and others in support of the referendum see this as a necessary step to address the city’s alarming crime rates and the rising trend of guns being stolen from vehiclesโover 3,000 incidents in 2022 alone after a state law made it easier to store guns in cars.
With all these moving parts, itโs clear that Memphis is at a pivotal crossroads. The ongoing conversation about gun safety and the upcoming ballot measures have sparked strong feelings across the community, and itโs a topic that is sure to be a focal point for many Memphis residents as they head to the polls this fall.
As we gear up for the elections, itโs important for locals to stay informed and participate in the discussions surrounding safety and legislative actions that can impact their everyday lives. With so much at stake, every voice will matter!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
