While the national ACLU belives in supporting the Constitution (except for the part guaranteeing individuals the right to keep and bear arms), the Nevada chapter chose wisely to buck the trend.

Gary Peck, executive director of the ACLU of Nevada, said the decision was not political, nor a slap at the national organization. He said the ACLU of Nevada often defends both conservative and liberal groups when, in its view, a constitutional right is being violated.

“This was a legal, constitutional decision for us,� he said. “Right now, it’s an issue percolating in the ACLU universe. It should be no surprise that an issue that has sparked a lot of issues and debate outside the ACLU has sparked debate inside the ACLU.�

The national ACLU, in a statement by a spokeswoman, said, “ACLU affiliates are free to take positions that differ from those of the national office.�

The spokeswoman said she was unaware of any other ACLU affiliate that had taken a differing position on the Second Amendment.

Peck said the state has a history of opposing government involvement in people’s lives.

“Nevada has a long, proud tradition of libertarian skepticism of government overreach,� Peck said. “An individual’s right to bear arms, not surprisingly, is in the Nevada constitution.�

While I don’t always agree with the NV ACLU on most of their legal battles, I’m pleased to hear that when they stand up for the Constitution, they stand up for the ENTIRE document.

Well done.