NRA Pushes for Ban on Adoption Agency Questions About Gun Ownership
As West Palm Beach firearm defense lawyers and NRA referral attorneys, we’re proud to live in a state that’s friendly to our Second Amendment rights. That’s why we were disappointed to see a Nov. 5 article in the Miami Herald suggesting that our rights as gun owners may be under fire if the Florida Legislature doesn’t take quick action. According to the article, the NRA is lobbying Tallahassee for a law that bans adoption agencies from asking prospective adoptive parents whether they own guns. NRA lobbyist Marion Hammer said that because this question comes from an agency connected to the government, it is tantamount to establishing a gun registry, which is specifically forbidden by Florida law.
The issue came up after a couple from Brevard County was asked about gun ownership. The Children’s Home Society, a private adoption organization that works with the state government, gave the couple a form that included a question about whether they had firearms. The couple saw this as an unreasonable intrusion into their Second Amendment rights and consulted an attorney. A spokeswoman for the agency said it was a standard question required by the state Department of Children and Families, for which it is a contractor. She said the agency may be able to use a form without that question, but because all adoption in Florida is privatized, it takes time to get a response. However, that may not be necessary, because the couple’s attorney referred them to the NRA -- which said changing Florida firearms law would be easier than suing. Sen. Thad Altman, R-Melbourne, has already introduced a bill making it unlawful to even ask about gun ownership; it is expected to pass.
As Fort Myers gun crimes defense attorneys, we are pleased to see the Legislature taking quick action on this important issue. Florida has banned gun registries to avoid a very real danger: Allowing the government to know who has guns. If government agents know who firearms owners are, it will be that much easier for them to round up and take away those firearms. Despite the protections offered by the Second Amendment, this remains a very real concern for the NRA and its members. Adoption agencies say they’re concerned about safety, but because they are subcontractors to a government agency, this question is only a few steps removed from such a registry. It would be better by far to stay out of gun owners’ private business and allow adoptive parents to make their own decisions with regard to children’s safety around guns.
Balliro, Galasso, Leskovich & Seltzer is proud to represent Floridians in all types of firearms cases. Our Sarasota firearms criminal defense attorneys help people accused of all types of gun crimes, from concealed carry violations to self-defense to felon in possession. We can also help with civil firearms matters, such as restoring gun rights after a felony conviction, domestic violence restraining orders licensing problems and permit applications. Partner Jean Paul Galasso is a former state and federal prosecutor who specialized in firearms crimes, and several of our attorneys are NRA referral attorneys, hunters and collectors who understand the importance of protecting our Second Amendment rights against unreasonable government intrusions like this. Our Miami gun charges criminal defense lawyers understand and will aggressively defend clients against the maze of regulations that law-abiding gun owners face.
If you’re facing gun charges in Florida or have civil firearms problems, BGL&S can help. We know criminal problems happen at all times of day, so we’re available anytime -- 24 hours a day and seven days a week. To set up a free, confidential consultation, please contact us through our Web site or call 1-866-ARRESTED toll-free from anywhere within Florida.
