HEART Act Bill Takes Away Parent’s Rights to Train Kids With Guns

A bill proposed by two Democrats threatens parental choice in allowing the training of kids with guns. The Help End Assault Rifle Tragedies (HEART) Act gun ban was introduced by Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) in July. They state that they want to “ensure that powerful, military-style weapons don’t end up in the hands of children.”

The proposed bill by Markey and Gallego states that it’s designed to “protect children by prohibiting anyone under the age of 16 from possessing or firing machine guns and assault weapons, specifying that the law would extend to gun shows and shooting ranges,” according to Bearing Arms. This would impede a parent from granting permission for their child to hunt or target shoot with the most popular and leading types of firearms available. For example, the Ruger 10/22 .22 caliber rifle and countless other seen on the bill’s “ban list.” If a parent hands a gun mentioned on the list to their child, they could potentially wind up in federal prison.

NFA Freedom Alliance Executive Director Todd Rathner reacted to the bill that is interpreted as crossing the line as far as parents and their judgement for what’s best for their children on the topic of guns. They view the gun ban proposal as a means of controlling parents when it comes to introducing their children to a beloved American tradition of outdoor sports.

Markey and Gallego introduced the HEART Act at an event in Washington where they were joined by the family of Charles Vacca, a firearms instructor who was fatally shot in 2014 while teaching a 9-year-old girl how to fire an Uzi.

Bill perceived as threat against First Amendment

The HEART Act gun bill is viewed as a threat against Second Amendment rights over and above severely limiting a parent’s ability to choose the best measures for gun safety and self-defense for their children.

Bearing Arms notes that language contained in the legislation is deceiving in its wording by likening semiautomatic weapons with automatic weapons.

Gallego says HEART Act gun ban isn’t about violating Second Amendment right

Gallego asserts that the bill “isn’t about violating anyone’s Second Amendment right,” but “upholding the principle that the founders would surely support, and that the [National Rifle Association] claims to support, which is responsible gun ownership.”

According to the Washington Times, the HEART Act bill has picked up the support of other Democratic politicians, including Reps. Mike Honda of California, Barbara Lee of California, Robin Kelly of Illinois, and Michael Capuano and Katherine Clark of Massachusetts.

Supporters are being urged to sign a petition in an effort to encourage Congress to pass the bill sooner.