Indiana may be the next state to become permit-less carry. State Rep. Jim Lucas is for it, and is the leader in convincing the state to switch over to constitutional carry.
Lucas’ argument is that a permit doesn’t support the constitutional right to bear arms. With all of the requirements and fees, it’s not easy to carry concealed weapons. It’s not much of a right when there are so many obstacles that stand in the way.
The chances of Indiana joining 11 other states in permit-less carry are high. The majority of the Statehouse is Republican and the committee hearing the bill is mostly gun-rights supporters.
The Fight Against Permitless Carry
One of the biggest complaints about permitless carry is that it will lead to more crime. With people being able to conceal carry without a permit, many fear it will end up putting guns in the wrong hands. This assumption is just that – an assumption.
According to research, states with open carry had a violent crime rate that was 23 percent lower. The murder rate was 5 percent lower, aggravated assault was 23 percent lower, and the robbery rate 36 percent lower.
The reasons? Many people believe the lower rates of crime are because criminals don’t know who is carrying and fear their own life.
The other point many anti-constitutional carry individuals bring up is the information that comes with the license. The license often has information about mental health and prior convictions law enforcement can check, and that can lead to arrests or confiscation of the weapon. Without this information, many people will carry when they shouldn’t.
The other point is training. Many anti-constitutional carry individuals assume no one will seek training if there is no legal requirement. This is also just an assumption.
Idaho’s Results
Idaho enacted a permit-less carry status in July. Since then, there has been an increase in the number of people who are seeking training. With more people carrying, there are more people wanting training. This shows that most gun owners are responsible enough to seek training on their own accord.
Most people who want to carry a gun, want to use it responsibly. They understand the risks, so they seek training. Permit-less carry has no emphasis on whether they seek training. They seek it because they don’t want to harm themselves or anyone else.
Every state has two sides – for and against constitutional carry. Many states switch over to constitutional carry despite the people who are against it. Indiana may be next in line, and the good news is that anxieties standing in the way aren’t as worrisome as they are made out to be.
