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Charlotte County will remain a Second Amendment sanctuary county following a resolution passed by the Board of Supervisors (BOS).

In November 2019, the BOS voted unanimously to establish the county as a Second Amendment sanctuary.

The Second Amendment sanctuary resolution adopted by the county means they will not expend resources to enforce certain gun control measures perceived as violative of the Second Amendment.

On July 1, new legislation took effect, allowing a county to ban otherwise lawfully possessed and transported firearms from certain public areas.

During its July 13 meeting, BOS members heard from Virginia Citizens Defense League President Philip Van Cleave, who asked the board to continue opposition to any law that would unconstitutionally restrict the right of citizens and visitors to the county.

“I urge you to support the resolution vowing that Charlotte County will not implement any local gun control for its government building, parks, recreation and community center, or permitted events and adjoining streets as would be allowed under the new law.”

Rebecca Daly from Saxe sent a letter to the BOS that was read.

“I am asking you to delay any vote on this gun resolution. Given the time of the meeting and the number of people who want to comment on it I believe it deserves a public hearing,” Daly’s letter read. “Both sides have a right to be heard on the issue, and it undermines protections put into place for the protection of the public. Any issue this serious warrant careful review and citizen input.”

Following the Nov. 5 election, in which Democrats gained the majority in both houses of the General Assembly, Gov. Ralph Northam discussed plans to pass stricter gun laws leaving many gun supporters concerned their Second Amendment rights could be in jeopardy.

In the weeks following the elections, counties around the commonwealth begin passing Second Amendment sanctuary resolutions.