Alert! Connecticut to Stop Private Firearms Sales

Connecticut, known for its picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities, finds itself at the center of a heated debate over the recent suspension of private firearm transfers, a move that has triggered concerns over the infringement of citizens' constitutional rights. While they claim the decision has "no connection" to the ATF's recent proposed rule change regarding the private transfer of firearms; due to its nearly identical effect as the ATF rule, it's hard see how exactly this could be the case. 

The Connecticut Citizens Defense League (CCDL), a staunch advocate for Second Amendment rights, raised alarm bells about this development.

All FFL's have received a notice to this effect. "The Special Licensing and Firearms Unit of the Connecticut State Police will No longer allow private sales of firearms between two private individuals. All firearms sales must be facilitated through a Federal Firearms Dealer."

The issue at hand is Connecticut's use of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) for private transfers, a practice that, according to federal regulations, is not intended for this purpose. The NICS system is designed to be used exclusively for licensed firearm dealers (FFLs) during commercial transactions, not for the sale of private property between individuals. This has prompted concerns regarding potential violations of the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, as well as the Second Amendment.

The Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments of the United States Constitution protect citizens' due process rights and property rights. The argument here is that forcing individuals to undergo background checks, both at the federal and state levels, when selling or transferring their private firearms constitutes an undue burden on their property rights. It may be seen as a government intrusion into personal transactions and a violation of the fundamental principle that individuals have the right to dispose of their property as they see fit.

Furthermore, the Second Amendment, a cornerstone of American liberty, protects the right to bear arms. Advocates argue that by imposing stringent background checks on private firearm transfers, the state of Connecticut is impinging upon the Second Amendment rights of its citizens. They assert that the right to keep and bear arms includes the right to engage in private, non-commercial transactions without government interference. And that any hinderance of the possession (weather acquisition or disposal) of the items listed in the Second Amendment (in this case Arms) is a direct violation of this right.

Connecticut's decision to halt private firearm transfers has sparked a fierce debate about individual rights and the Second Amendment. As this controversy unfolds, all eyes are on the courts, where the constitutionality of these measures will likely be put to the test.

Learn more about Connecticut's firearms Laws with our article Connecticut Gun Laws 2023 (project-ar15.com)

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