JEFFERSON CITY—The Missouri Senate gave final approval today to Senate Joint Resolution 36, legislation sponsored by Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, to protect the rights of Missouri citizens to keep and bear arms. The proposed constitutional amendment would require a vote of the people to take effect.

“This measure protects a fundamental right that our country was founded upon,” said Sen. Schaefer. “We can’t allow this right, or any other, to be taken from us by anti-gun politicians in Washington D.C. The erosion of even one constitutional liberty signals the vulnerability of them all. This measure is about drawing a line in the sand and making it clear that in Missouri, we will do everything in our power to safeguard the freedoms we’ve enjoyed since the creation of this country.”

Upon voter approval of Senate Joint Resolution 36, an amendment would be added to the Missouri Constitution reinforcing the right of citizens to keep and bear arms, ammunition and accessories in defense of their family, in addition to the current rights to protect a person’s home, property or themselves. The amendment would also make these rights inalienable, and obligate Missouri to uphold these liberties and under no circumstance decline to protect against their infringement.

“I look forward to travelling the state in the coming months to meet with the citizens of Missouri who value our freedom in support of SJR 36,” said Sen. Schaefer.

For more information on Sen. Schaefer’s sponsored legislation, visit his Missouri Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schaefer.