CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – City Council members approved a resolution designating Clarksville as a Second Amendment sanctuary city at their Thursday session, which lasted over five hours.
The resolution, sponsored by both Jason Knight (Ward 5) and Trisha Butler (Ward 12) independently, states that Clarksville “will provide haven for, and shall support and protect the Constitution of the United States” as related to the Second Amendment.
Council members voted 8-4 approving the resolution. Voting yes were Richard Garrett, DaJuan Little, Wallace Redd, Jason Knight, Travis Holleman, Wanda Allen, Stacey Streetman and Trisha Butler. Voting no were Vondell Richmond, Karen Reynolds, Ashlee Evans and Mayor Joe Pitts. Council member Wanda Smith abstained from voting.
“Bottom line, this resolution provides a sense of ease to the minds of our constituents within our community to state that we understand their fear of having their guns taken away,” Knight said in the meeting. “This is a symbolic gesture. We’re not here to stop anyone from doing anything.”
Butler also spoke in support of the resolution, saying that the matter is “non-negotiable.”
“‘Shall not be infringed’ doesn’t have a caveat about feelings and fear,” Butler said to council members. “Please support this resolution because, well, you swore you would.”
The resolution brings Clarksville into agreement with Montgomery County, whose commissioners approved a similar resolution naming Montgomery County a Second Amendment sanctuary county in March 2019.