The dispute over a proposed gun control referendum in Memphis intensified as the Shelby County Election Commission, following advice from the state election coordinator, decided to exclude the initiative from the upcoming November ballot. This move was in line with warnings from state leaders, who threatened to strip Memphis of state sales tax revenue if the city continued with its effort to challenge Tennessee’s gun laws. According to WREG, House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Lieutenant Governor Randy McNally's joint statement asserts that Memphis must align with state laws or possibly forfeit participation in the state's financial achievements.
Amid the repercussions, supporters of the referendum express their frustration. Amber Sherman, a regional organizer for Black Voters Matter, critiqued the Election Commission's understanding of the law, as stated in an Action News 5 report, expecting a more robust defense for the right to hold referendums. The proposed ballot measures sought to address permit requirements for handguns, the banning of assault rifle sales, and the implementation of red flag laws to combat gun violence in the city.
Some see the referendum's denial as denying local autonomy in addressing community-specific issues. Tennessee Lookout reported that Memphis City Council Chairman JB Smiley labeled the decision a "miscarriage of justice" and hinted at potential legal challenges. The City Council's pursuit of the referendum mirrors its larger effort to enact measures reflective of the city's stance on gun violence, and it comes amidst a political tug-of-war with state officials.
Critics, including Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson, have voiced concerns about state overreach. Pearson told Tennessee Lookout that the Commission's decision aligns with "the authoritarian actions of Republicans who are in power in our state Legislature."
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