Dear Senators and Representatives,

We are Iowans of all political allegiances, religious beliefs, and backgrounds. Some of us are gun owners and some of us are not. We are writing to express our opposition to a proposed amendment to our constitution that would threaten the safety of our communities.

Article I of the Constitution of the State of Iowa is amended by adding the following new section:
     "Right to keep and bear arms. Sec. lA. The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed. The sovereign state of Iowa affirms and recognizes this right to be a fundamental individual right. Any and all restrictions of this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny."
 
The constitutional amendment adding strict scrutiny language to the Iowa Constitution could invalidate our state's common sense handgun licensing laws, make it more difficult to pass safety laws in the future and pave the way for overturning laws that protect our communities and our children from gun violence.
 
We have seen the epidemic of gun violence from coast to coast, as well as in towns and cities right here in Iowa. Firearms are used more frequently in domestic violence incidents and are the most common method used in death by suicide.
 
Our law enforcement, our children, and our families all face a heightened possibility of gun violence. We must stand together to protect our communities, not open the door to even more tragedy.
 
It is time for all of us to come together and oppose this constitutional amendment that would endanger our state.

Sincerely,