NRA-ILA Grassroots News Minute 07-20-2012

Published on July 27, 2012
Duration: 4:38

This NRA-ILA Grassroots News Minute from July 20, 2012, addresses the UN Arms Treaty negotiations. Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre stated the NRA's position: no treaty including civilian arms is acceptable. The segment clarifies the treaty's potential impact on US gun laws, emphasizing that while treaties cannot override the Constitution, they can supersede prior statutes. It urges gun owners to understand the threats and take action to prevent ratification.

Quick Summary

The NRA opposes the UN Arms Treaty, stating no treaty including civilian arms is acceptable due to threats to Second Amendment rights. If ratified by the US Senate, a treaty has the same legal standing as Congressional laws and can override prior statutes, though it cannot override the Constitution.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and NRA-ILA News Minute
  2. 00:19UN Arms Treaty Negotiations
  3. 00:23Wayne LaPierre's Address and NRA Position
  4. 00:37Understanding the Treaty's Threat
  5. 01:02Treaty Signing Timeline
  6. 01:49Treaty's Potential Effects on Gun Laws
  7. 02:20Treaty's Force Under US Law
  8. 02:44President Bypassing Ratification
  9. 03:12NRA's Continued Fight
  10. 03:29Arms Trade Treaty History and Call to Action
  11. 03:46Right to Keep and Bear Arms
  12. 04:08Rejecting Lesser Freedom

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NRA's stance on the UN Arms Treaty?

The NRA's position, as stated by Executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, is that no treaty that includes civilian arms is acceptable. They believe such a treaty poses a real threat to the Second Amendment rights of American gun owners.

How can a UN Arms Treaty affect US gun laws?

While a treaty cannot override the US Constitution, if ratified by the Senate, it would have the same legal standing as laws passed by Congress. It could potentially supersede statutes enacted prior to the treaty's ratification.

What is the process for a UN Arms Treaty to become US law?

After drafting, the treaty goes to the UN General Assembly for approval. Following that, member states can sign it. For the US, Senate ratification is required for it to have legal force, though an administration might attempt to implement restrictions via other means.

Can the President bypass Senate ratification for a UN Arms Treaty?

Strictly speaking, no. However, an administration could try to use customary international law to argue for implementing treaty restrictions even if the Senate defeats ratification efforts.

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