The open bigotry expressed by our public officials has now caught the attention of the Massachusetts Fraternal Order of Police (MassFOP) and they have responded in turn.

Like the response from GOAL, the MassFOP’s letter includes objections to the lack of “clarity and neutrality” in the question expressing their opposition to the use of “persuasive language.” The letter also opposes the “selective inclusion” of such terms as “ghost guns, machine guns, and assault-style weapons” which create an “imbalance…in the absence of comparable context within the “No” description.” GOAL agrees completely with these assessments.

Finally, the FOP letter takes issue with the fundamental structure of the question itself where a “Yes” vote results in maintaining the current law-runs counter to common voter expectations and introduces unnecessary confusion.” There was outrage from the Second Amendment community immediately upon the initial release of the structure of the question and we are glad the MassFOP publicly recognized it as well.

The letter goes on to recommend two alternative formats for the law, one would reverse the question making “a yes vote…repeal the law” and “a no vote…keep the current law in place…” The other would just simplify the question (in line with GOAL’s recommendation) if the structure cannot be changed making “ a yes vote…keep the current law in place…” and “a no vote…repeal the law.” Again, GOAL completely agrees with these assessments.

Once again, GOAL would like to thank the MassFOP for standing up against up against the institutional bigotry embedded in the Commonwealth’s government. You can read the FOP letter here: Download Letter