A bill currently moving through the Colorado legislature poses a serious threat to the constitutional rights of Coloradans. Senate Bill 25-003 seeks to ban the buying, selling and manufacturing of semi-automatic firearms, used by thousands of law-abiding residents in the Centennial State to protect their families. This legislation not only jeopardizes the fundamental right to self-defense but also infringes on fundamental constitutional rights, potentially setting a dangerous legal precedent for the future of gun ownership.

This legislation is on track to be the most sweeping ban of its kind in the country. Supporters of the bill claim it will help curb gun violence, but in reality, the legislation, if passed into law, would have the opposite of its intended effect.

First, though proponents say banning certain firearms outright would make Colorado safer, they fail to realize the naivety of their argument. Analysis shows bans on so-called “assault weapons” historically have little impact on gun violence.

Stay up to speed: Sign up for daily opinion in your inbox Monday-Friday

Second, the bill effectively targets law-abiding gun owners rather than criminals, who by definition do not follow the law. Blanket bans only affect law-abiding citizens who would otherwise responsibly own firearms and serve as the first line of defense for their families or in the absence of law enforcement. We have seen cities and states that introduce restrictive measures on firearms like Chicago and others across the country have contributed to increased gun violence and crime rates.

A ban on the legal purchase of firearms will have no impact on criminals’ intent on securing a firearm. These criminals often do not obtain firearms through legal processes, and according to a March 2024 Department of Justice (DOJ) report, a majority of criminals acquire firearms through illegal channels. This law will prohibit the ability of law-abiding, responsible Coloradans to secure a self-defense weapon to protect themselves.

The fact is millions of Americans rely on certain types of semiautomatic firearms for their self-defense, and a blanket ban on these tools puts responsible Coloradans at a disadvantage in protecting themselves and their families. Law-abiding gun owners, including concealed carry permit holders, who undergo various firearm training requirements are among the most law-abiding demographics in the nation, with lower crime rates than even police officers.

A growing group of self-defense advocates have called for the legislature to abandon this dangerous attempt to undermine gun rights. The U.S. Concealed Carry Association For Saving Lives Action Fund, supported by the nation’s largest and fastest-growing organization dedicated to responsible gun ownership, recently hosted a rally in Lakewood for gun owners to vocalize their opposition. The overwhelming turnout signals momentum for Coloradans to defend their constitutional freedoms. Thousands more have sent letters directly to Gov. Jared Polis, urging him to oppose this misguided legislation.

With growing pressure and widespread support from Second Amendment advocates, change may be on the horizon. But last week, the Colorado Senate introduced a significantly altered version of the bill, now including a carveout for state-regulated training. Though consistent firearm training is essential for mental and physical preparation in self-defense, government-mandated training as a prerequisite for exercising fundamental rights is simply unacceptable. American gun owners know what it means to be responsible, and that looks different for each individual.

Coloradans have shown great civic responsibility and have quickly mobilized to advocate for their fundamental right to self-defense. This has significantly slowed the bill’s progress through the legislature.

This fight is far from over, and the voices of thousands of Coloradans remain critical in the battle to preserve our rights. We will continue to stay engaged, spread the word and continue to stand in defense of the Second Amendment.

There is a better approach to solving the issue at hand. Let’s work together, law-abiding, responsible gun owners and legislators from both sides of the aisle toward our shared goal of ending senseless violence. We can achieve this goal, and we can do so faster and more efficiently by working together rather than infringing on the constitutionally protected rights of law-abiding Colorado citizens.

Leland Conway is Delta Defense LLC Rocky Mountain District Manager.