CON-STI-TU-TION: When it comes to guns, Massachusetts is apparently confused about rights and privileges

Jacob B. | 3:23 PM on May 06, 2018

In Massachusetts, police are apparently allowed to use their own discretion to deny permits to purchase guns, even to people who have never been arrested.

In Massachusetts you need a permit to buy a gun and local police have discretion to deny that permit, subject to court review.

I asked some officers around the state whether they use that discretion.

They do. And they think it makes a difference.https://t.co/3x6DpKkpT6 pic.twitter.com/Ac1adUQuY3

— Jonathan Cohn (@CitizenCohn) May 6, 2018

It is touted as the toughest gun law in America. Basically, “something’s not right here” can be the basis for denying a permit to purchase a firearm.

Unconstitutional https://t.co/yt9hj1peHf

— Kurt Schlichter (@KurtSchlichter) May 6, 2018

To say the least.

Sounds like Massachusetts has some serious issues telling the difference between a right and a privilege. https://t.co/gUS8sVl4oz

— Cam Edwards (@CamEdwards) May 6, 2018

That’s the key.

In other words, they deny people's rights even if they've never been arrested before? https://t.co/qeurhdFNZX

— Stephen Gutowski (@StephenGutowski) May 6, 2018

Here’s what the Boston Police Commissioner said in defense of the law:

“It’s crazy that some states just give out these guns with very few requirements.”

The 2nd Amendment is part of the U.S. Constitution, which applies to every state. States shouldn’t just decide they are going to follow certain parts of it.