Voters Also Oppose the “Strict Scrutiny” Constitutional Amendment Proposals – Like SJR 10 and HJR 3- by a Nearly 2-to-1 Margin
DES MOINES ― Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund today released new polling showing the vast majority of Iowans — across party lines and including gun owners — support core Iowa gun laws. Most respondents also opposed a proposed “strict scrutiny” constitutional amendment, which could undermine Iowa’s permit requirement for carrying a concealed handgun and other key state gun laws.
Only 3 states have adopted “strict scrutiny” amendments, which are designed to undermine state and local public safety laws and threaten even the most basic laws designed to keep guns out of the hands of felons and domestic abusers. Prior to 2012, no states had enacted strict scrutiny laws. Adding this extreme language to Iowa’s constitution could eliminate core state gun laws, including Iowa’s handgun background check law and concealed carry permitting system.
The poll of more than 1,200 registered voters, available here, was conducted by SurveyUSA on behalf of Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. Among other findings, it found:
- By a nearly 2-to-1 margin, more voters oppose a proposed “strict scrutiny” constitutional amendment than support it. After the potential implications of the amendment were explained, 54% of Iowa voters indicated opposition to the proposal, compared to just 28% indicating support.
- 90% of Iowa gun owners support the permitting requirement for carrying concealed handguns in public, and 92% of Iowa gun owners support the state’s background check requirement for all handgun sales.
- The overwhelming majority of both Democrats and Republicans support Iowa’s concealed handgun permit and background check laws.
“The vast majority of us recognize that our public safety laws are there for good reason,” said Katie Albrecht, volunteer chapter leader with the Iowa chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “Lawmakers pushing to gut these common sense measures are clearly out of step with Iowans from all around our state.”