Lexington approves symbolic ban of semi-automatic weapons

LEXINGTON, Mass. — In 303 years of town meetings in Lexington 2016 was the first time metal detectors and private security screened everyone at the door

The unprecedented measures were put in place for an unprecedented vote, a symbolic resolution to encourage a ban on certain types of semi-automatic weapons and high capacity magazines.

“These weapons allow a gun man to fire quickly without having to reload,” Robert Rotberg, the town meeting member who proposed the resolution, said.

The debate was civil, but intense. Those for the resolution spoke of San Bernardino, Newtown, and other mass shootings as one of the reasons Lexington should take a stand.

Critics of the proposal brought up existing gun laws in Massachusetts, considered some of the toughest in the country. Other call it a violation of civil liberties in the suburb known as the birthplace of liberty.

“We don't have a gun problem, we have a heart problem. Violence is stemmed from the heart,” one person said.

After two hours of discussion the town meeting members voted in favor of the resolution by vote of 105-62.

Cox Media Group