Maryland Gun Rights Activists Drop Referendum Effort

JESSUP, Md. — Maryland gun activists on Wednesday made the surprising announcement that they would not pursue a referendum to block sweeping gun laws passed by the General Assembly earlier this month, choosing instead to lend their support to a planned lawsuit by the National Rifle Association challenging the new measures.

Standing before about 100 supporters at a Jessup beer hall, Delegate Neil C. Parrot defended the decision and reiterated his opposition to the new gun laws.

“Certainly after discussions with the gun groups, it’s clear this is a constitutional right that should not go to the citizens to vote on,” Mr. Parrott said. “We do not tax a right, we do not license a right, and that’s what this bill does.”
More