Calls on Governor Maura Healey to Withdraw Emergency Preamble Before Legal Action Commences
October 23, 2024
The Civil Rights Coalition Submits Over 95,000 Certified Signatures to Secretary of State, Calls on Governor Maura Healey to Withdraw Emergency Preamble Before Legal Action Commences
Boston, MA – Today, The Civil Rights Coalition proudly announced the submission of over 95,000 certified signatures to the Massachusetts Secretary of State, a clear demonstration of the people’s will to suspend Chapter 135 (H4885) and place it on the ballot for the November 2026 referendum. This monumental effort underscores the importance of maintaining constitutional processes and allowing voters to decide on this critical issue.
The Coalition now urges Governor Maura Healey to voluntarily withdraw the Emergency Preamble attached to H4885, which is preventing the law’s suspension and blocking the full referendum process.
The Governor’s actions have disenfranchised more than 95,000 registered voters, denying them their right to engage in the constitutional referendum process and the results that Constitution guarantees to those who follow the process.
The immediate suspension of the law is necessary because its rushed implementation has thrown the state into chaos. Confusion now reigns among residents, businesses, and state agencies, leading to widespread disruption and a wholesale violation of most 2nd Amendment and Hunter Rights:
- Two sections of the law have already been suspended by the Executive Office of Public Safety, acknowledging the State’s unpreparedness.
- Out-of-state hunters who bought non-resident licenses under the old laws will now find themselves felons if they cross into Massachusetts with firearms they believed they had the legal right to carry under their licenses.
- Walmart has ceased ammunition sales in Massachusetts, further frustrating residents and retailers.
- Confusion over firearms licensing and hunting regulations has left many residents unsure of their compliance with the new rules.
“Submitting over 95,000 certified signatures should have triggered the law’s suspension. Instead, the Governor’s Emergency Preamble bypasses the will of the people and denies them their constitutional right to vote on this matter,” said Toby Leary, Chairman for The Civil Rights Coalition. “We are calling on Governor Healey to withdraw the Emergency Preamble immediately, prevent further chaos, and restore the democratic process before we move forward with litigation.”
The Civil Rights Coalition remains ready to protect the rights of Massachusetts residents through legal action, but we are offering Governor Healey the opportunity to avoid unnecessary legal costs and disruption by respecting the constitutional process.
The citizens of Massachusetts deserve clarity, order, and their right to vote. We urge the Governor to act swiftly—suspending the law now will allow residents the opportunity to make their voices heard in the November 2026 referendum.
For more information, please contact:
The Civil Rights Coalition
[email protected]
