Good f**king grief: Repugs want to make the AR-15 the "official" state rifle

[marmar]

A coalition of Republican lawmakers want to make the AR-15, a semi-automatic firearm, Michigan’s state rifle, a move that concerned gun control advocates.

HB 5792, introduced by Rep. Brian BeGole (R-Antrim Twp.), the former sheriff of Shiawassee County, would make the military-grade weapon the state’s official rifle. The goal of the new designation is to destigmatize the AR-15, and the people who own them, according to a release from BeGole.

“Millions of people across the country and thousands in Michigan own an AR-15. This distinction recognizes these law-abiding gun owners who are often vilified just for having a firearm as a hobbyist or to keep their homes and families safe,” BeGole stated in the release.

But Ryan Bates, executive director of End Gun Violence Michigan, said the bill supports a trend of “extremist” politicians militarizing gun culture in the state. .............(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/briefs/gop-legislators-seek-to-make-ar-15-michigans-official-state-rifle/