Louisiana voters approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday to strengthen gun possession rights in the state.
The amendment adds the words, "fundamental right" to Article I, Section 11 of the state constitution, and requires any attempt to infringe upon that right to pass a "strict scrutiny" test. That's the highest form of judicial review used to determine the constitutionality of a law.
Polly Williams of Baton Rouge supported the measure. She said citizens should always have the right to defend themselves.
"There are going to be problems but the individual should have that privilege."
Opponents said the new amendment could eradicate the legislature's ability to regulate firearms altogether, which could lead to the gutting of gun restrictions in places like schools, bars, and government buildings. They said it could even render unconstitutional the criminal statute that says firearms must be registered.