STATE—Illinois pro gun activists are up in arms over a 30-day extension granted Gov. Pat Quinn by the Seventh U.S. Court of Appeals Tuesday.
That extension delays the signing of a bill that would allow concealed carry, bringing the state in line with every other state in the nation.
In its favor, the court did make it clear it would not be issuing any further extensions.
Illinois is the only state that does not allow concealed carry of firearms in any form.
Despite support for the bill coming from his own party, in the form of Democrat Speaker Michael Madigan saying publicly that even though he doesn’t personally support the proposal but realizes the people of Illinois have spoken and he intends to see their will come to fruition, Quinn has sent signals he will do everything he can to “block its passage.”
The recent majority passage of the bill, primarily due of the efforts of fellow democrats Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg and Ill. Sen. Gary Forby, D-Benton, however, makes the bill veto-proof.
In layman’s terms, that means if Quinn doesn’t sign the bill into law, Illinois becomes as free as Arizona in that anyone can carry a loaded, concealed weapon anywhere, at anytime.
Arizona enjoys one of the lowest crime rates in the country as Illinois boasts one of the highest crime rates in the country.
“His games are not going to work this time,” Forby told the media. “He just needs to do his job.”
The proposal allows the creation of a special review board to determine if an applicant flagged by law enforcement should be given a permit and calls for the permit holder to have their firearm locked safely in a vehicle in the trunk or glove box, meaning those traveling Illinois roadways, and beset upon by thugs, had better hope the thugs are patient enough to allow the motorist to stop, get to his weapon and ammo, and join the two before the damage to the vehicle or persons inside becomes too hampering.
Guns would not be permitted in childcare facilities, government buildings, or public events including street fairs, sports arenas, stadiums, amusement parks and a host of other areas, meaning that criminals will be well aware of where they can carry out acts of atrocity, as participants will be unarmed in “gun-free zones.”
As the clock now ticks off an additional 30 days, the state braces for what could come next, as pro-gun activists are in no mood to be denied their right to carry, concealed or otherwise.