Jon Huntsman Jr.'s response to Deseret Morning News questionnaire
Jon Huntsman Jr., Republican
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18. As it stands now, citizens with concealed weapons permits may legally take their guns into public schools. Do you favor or oppose the current practice?
I am a strong supporter of the Second Amendment. I am a gun owner, I have a concealed carry permit, and I have even taught my children to shoot. I support the rights of concealed-carry permit holders, especially the right to protect themselves against criminals. The Utah Constitution gives even more clarification than the United States Constitution on gun ownership rights. It states, "The individual right of the people to keep and bear arms for security and defense of self, family, others, property, or the state, as well as for other lawful purposes shall not be infringed; but nothing herein shall prevent the Legislature from defining the lawful use of arms." I strongly support the Utah Constitution's stand on gun ownership, and will defend it fervently.
In practice, I oppose taking guns into schools. It just seems out of harmony with what is meant to occur within the walls of our educational facilities. However, banning law abiding, carefully licensed citizens from carrying their guns in schools will do nothing to prevent criminals from taking weapons into schools. Those with concealed weapons permits have passed muster with the state's requirements to maintain the privilege of carrying a concealed firearm. My concern is not with legally licensed, concealed carriers, but with those who illegally obtain, conceal, and use weapons.
19. As governor, would you support or oppose the University of Utah's current practice of controlling who can bring guns onto campus? What, if any, changes should be made to current state law relating to gun ownership and/or use?
The University of Utah has the right to challenge the current law, but not the right to disobey the law while challenging it. The court's rulings should be abided by. The rule of law must be respected, irrespective of what individuals or institutions think the law should be.
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