Governor Paul LePage and the state legislature scored a victory for public subsidized housing residents throughout the state by signing Legislative Document 1572, “An Act To Ensure Nondiscrimination against Gun Owners in Public Housing” into law. This NRA-backed bill prevents landlords from prohibiting firearm possession by law-abiding tenants who live in public housing.
“Law-abiding gun owners should not be denied their Second Amendment rights just because of their economic status or street address,” said Chris Cox, executive director of NRA’s Institute for Legislative Action. “The right of self-protection is fundamental, and now public housing residents throughout Maine will not be denied that right.”
An Act To Ensure Nondiscrimination against Gun Owners in Public Housing was introduced after Harvey Lembo, a retired Maine lobsterman living in a public housing community, sued his landlord for threatening to evict him after he lawfully used a firearm to repeal a home invasion. Mr. Lembo’s apartment had been burglarized five times in the previous six years. Fearing for his safety, Lembo purchased a firearm and needed to use it when attacked less than 24 hours later. His landlord then demanded Lembo either surrender his rights or find another place to live.
“On behalf of our five million members, I want to thank State Senator Andre Cushing (R-Penobscot) and Governor LePage for their leadership on this important issue.”
