April 27, 2021
For immediate release

Legislation to Lower the Age to Buy a Handgun Receives GOA’s Endorsement

Springfield, VA – Gun Owners of America (GOA) today announces support for legislation that restores a young adult’s right to purchase a handgun at 18 years old. Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) has introduced the Second Amendment Mandates Equality (SAME) Act in the Senate, and Representative Thomas Massie will soon introduce the Second Amendment For Every Registrable (SAFER) Voter Act in the House.

Aidan Johnston, Director of Federal Affairs for GOA, said, “Restoring the right of young adults to purchase handguns is true ‘common-sense’ gun legislation. The current 18–20-year-old handgun ban is antiquated and keeps honest, young adults disarmed – sending the message that the Second Amendment is a second-class right. GOA commends Senator Lummis and Rep. Massie for standing for the Second Amendment rights of young adults.”

Senator Lummis said, “The Second Amendment is a constitutional right, and does not treat 18-year-olds as second-class adults. In keeping with the Supreme Court’s Heller decision, the SAME Act would overturn our current restrictive anti-handgun statute and ensure equal treatment under law for adults under 21. Ultimately, if we trust 18-year-olds enough to defend our country and to choose our elected officials, we should trust them enough to purchase a handgun.”

Representative Massie stated, “Why should a 20-year-old single mom be denied the right to defend herself and her children? Eighteen, 19, and 20-year-olds are considered adults and can vote on important public policy issues. They can also form business contracts, get married, and serve in the military. As adults, these Americans should not be deprived of basic constitutional rights.”

The SAME Act can be read here, and the SAFER Voter Act can be read here.

Aidan Johnston, or another GOA spokesperson, is available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

— GOA —