Memphis Faces Gun Control Referendum Showdown as City Grapples with Rising Crime Rates

Memphis Faces Gun Control Referendum Showdown

In a city grappling with important safety concerns, the debate over gun control is heating up. Recently, Memphis has stirred the pot with a proposed referendum that aims to bring significant changes to its gun laws—if voters approve it this coming November. But the road ahead isn’t as smooth as some might hope.

What’s on the Ballot?

Back in July, the Memphis City Council voted to place a referendum on the fall ballot, giving residents a chance to weigh in on some serious gun control measures. If all goes well, voters would be able to decide whether to amend the city’s charter to:

• Ban the sale of assault weapons
• Implement red flag laws
• Require gun owners to secure their firearms at home

This initiative comes on the heels of alarming crime statistics—Memphis recorded a staggering 398 homicides last year, making community safety a top priority for city leaders.

The Pushback from State Officials

However, Tennessee’s Attorney General, Jonathan Skrmetti, hasn’t exactly rolled out the welcome mat for this referendum. He has labeled the city’s efforts as a “futile stunt” and argues that it wastes both time and resources. In his statement, he emphasized, “These ballot questions are a fraud on the voters of Memphis. They will not change the law.”

Adding to the tension, Governor Bill Lee and other state Republicans have strongly opposed the referendum, warning that it could lead to a confrontation between local and state government. In fact, there were even threats of withholding state sales tax revenue from the city as a form of punishment.

Legal Wrangling Ensues

As the drama unfolds, the Shelby County Election Commission had initially taken down the gun control referendum from the November ballot, following input from state election coordinator Mark Goins. This decision prompted Memphis city officials to file a lawsuit against the commission, arguing for the referendum’s necessity. They asserted that the questions presented to voters are still proposals, since the charter has not yet been amended.

On September 11, a judge ruled in favor of Memphis, stating that the three proposed gun control questions could indeed appear on the November ballot. While this is good news for supporters, it remains uncertain whether they will ultimately end up on the ballots come November.

Local Voices in the Conversation

City Council Member Jerri Green has taken a firm stance, describing Memphis as “bleeding out” in terms of gun violence awareness and intervention. Green and others in support of the referendum see this as a necessary step to address the city’s alarming crime rates and the rising trend of guns being stolen from vehicles—over 3,000 incidents in 2022 alone after a state law made it easier to store guns in cars.

With all these moving parts, it’s clear that Memphis is at a pivotal crossroads. The ongoing conversation about gun safety and the upcoming ballot measures have sparked strong feelings across the community, and it’s a topic that is sure to be a focal point for many Memphis residents as they head to the polls this fall.

As we gear up for the elections, it’s important for locals to stay informed and participate in the discussions surrounding safety and legislative actions that can impact their everyday lives. With so much at stake, every voice will matter!