Metro East Sun

Madison County Board member Tom McRae (R-Bethalto) insists the increase of gun sanctuaries sends the message that law-abiding citizens aren’t going to let Springfield trample over their rights.

“I support passing these resolutions to send a message to the Illinois legislature because a number of people are concerned about intrusion on their Second Amendment rights,” McRae told the Metro East Sun. “It’s the only way to send a strong message telling lawmakers we want rights protected.”

At least 26 of Illinois’ 102 counties have passed “gun sanctuary” resolutions or similar measures with more places expected to follow suit, according to the Belleville News-Democrat.

Tom McRae

The term is a play on the phrase “sanctuary city,” which describes cities that limit their cooperation with the federal government in enforcing immigration laws.

Gun sanctuary proponents argue they deserve protections from overzealous lawmakers looking to strip them of their firearms.

“It’s time we stand up to (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) and the political machine and say enough is enough,” McRae said. “I think Chicago now has the strictest guns laws in the nation, but still have more homicides than anywhere else in the country. Obviously, passing laws infringing on the rights of law-abiding citizens doesn’t do any good controlling criminals.”

The Iroquois County Board was the first board to vote for a resolution that opposed proposed gun control legislation in Springfield. Iroquois County District 1 representative Chad McGinnis penned the resolution that other counties have since copied.

McGinnis was particularly outraged that the potential laws would ban certain weapons and make gun owners “instant felons” if they failed to them handover.

“I think this is the only way to send a message to legislators and stand up for our rights,” McRae added. “This political machine is completely out of touch with the average citizen, especially in downstate Illinois and the Madison County area.”