Cape Cod gun store owner Toby Leary is leading an effort to collect signatures to suspend a new gun law in Massachusetts while a repeal measure moves forward. The new law, signed by Gov. Maura Healey, has faced criticism for being an overreach of government authority and an infringement on Second Amendment rights. Leary has set up “The Civil Rights Coalition” to gather signatures to put the law on hold and place a referendum question on the November 2026 ballot. Critics argue the law creates cumbersome hurdles to gun ownership and violates civil rights.
However, there is a possibility that Gov. Healey could add an “emergency preamble” to the statute to prevent its suspension. Healey has defended the law as important for public safety and gun control. The law includes restrictions on semiautomatic weapons, live fire training, serialization of firearms, and penalties for untraceable guns. Proponents of the law argue that it is constitutional and necessary for sensible gun control.
Leary has received support from gun stores and firearms groups to fund the campaign against the law. He has also reached out to figures with national prominence for assistance. The opposition to the law is preparing for a costly battle to suspend or repeal it. The effort faces an Oct. 9 deadline to gather over 49,000 signatures to put the law on hold. Rep. Michael Day, a chief architect of the law, described opponents as “extreme groups” and defended the law as a balance between responsible gun ownership and public safety. The outcome of the campaign to suspend or repeal the law remains uncertain as both sides prepare for a potential showdown.
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