Michigan township declares itself a 'Second Amendment sanctuary,' forms its own citizen's militia

HOLTON TOWNSHIP, MI- Last Tuesday, the Holton Township Board of Trustees adopted a resolution designating the township a Second Amendment sanctuary, promising the township will not enforce red-flag laws restricting gun and ammunition possession. The Muskegon County township followed the lead of Livingston County, which passed a similar resolution earlier this year. 

The resolution reads as follows:

“Whereas, the Holton Township Board declares and confirms to express its intent to stand as a Sanctuary Township for Second Amendment rights, and to oppose, within the limits of the Constitution of the United States and the Commonwealth of Michigan, any efforts to unconstitutionally restrict such rights.” 

The resolution continues, however. It also includes an addendum for the formation of a militia. The Militia Public Security Act notes the township is adopting “policies necessary for the security and rights of Holton Township residents.” 

Under the addendum, legal residents of the community who have established primary residence therein may join the militia and make their intentions known merely by acknowledging it on social media, telling friends or family they wish to join, or by stating their intent in a letter to the Township Militia. The addendum imposes several restrictions as follows:

• Candidates must be over the age of 18;
• Candidates must pass a federal firearms background check; 
• Residents not desiring to be in the militia are not required to join;

The addendum says members must provide their own firearms while adhering to all federal, executive, county, and state regulations. It also states long guns with stocks that “hit the shoulder,” which includes semi-automatic rifles and shotguns, must have been legal by federal law effective March 27, 2021. Meanwhile, pistols and handguns, including semi-autos, must have been permitted by federal law effective the same date, March 27, 2021. 

In addition, any caliber ammunition determined legal by federal standards as of March 27, 2021, is also acceptable. The addendum reads that the same date and legal determinations apply to stocks, grips, optics, magazines, clips, suppressors, and body armor. 

Meanwhile, the Michigan Court of Claims found the Michigan House violated the state’s Open Meetings Act during committee hearings discussing the imposition of several anti-gun bills, Great Lakes Gun Rights posted on X. 

During hearings, the legislature refused to allow, or severely limited, the ability of pro-gun rights speakers to testify during committee hearings. The bills were proposed ostensibly in response to a shooting at Michigan State University. Groups such as Great Lakes Gun Rights and Michigan Open Carry were silenced, they allege, by anti-gun committee chairs. 

However, the court declined to issue an injunction preventing further illegal acts by the Michigan legislature, believing they would comply in the future.