Broome County legislative chambers reached capacity Thursday evening as concerned citizens filed in to applaud legislators in their decision to support a repeal of the NY SAFE Act. With a final vote of 12-3, the advisory resolution did not come easy to all. A heated debate and several considerations preceded thunderous cheering from the crowd, many of whom were waving signs with the word “REPEAL.”
Nearly every county in upstate New York has passed a resolution in opposition of the state’s gun control law that was approved in January in quick fashion. And with Thursday’s vote, Broome has been added to that list. Though several legislators said they supported some elements of the SAFE Act, their decision was heavily based on unfunded mandates and the urgency with which the law was passed.
The resolution doesn’t change the law in Broome County, however.
Legislators in support of the resolution said Thursday it stands as a call to Gov. Andrew Cuomo on behalf of upstate citizens who felt misrepresented as the law was making its way through Albany.
