Palmerton has approved a resolution to have the borough listed as a Second Amendment sanctuary.

On a 5-2 vote, borough council on Thursday approved the action. Councilman Kris Hoffner and Councilwoman Holly Hausman Sell were opposed.

Hoffner said he was opposed to passing a resolution making Palmerton a Second Amendment sanctuary “because this is a redundant act.

“Federal and state laws supersede local laws. Would we take a similar action for the other 26 amendments? I don’t think so.

“Since the assault weapons ban was passed by Congress in 1994, there has been a fear instilled in many people that the government will be coming to get our guns. It has not happened, and I believe it will not happen, regardless of what political party is in national power.”

Hoffner said he is a “proud gun owner” who has more guns than people in his home.

“I do support the Second Amendment, as well as the other 26 amendments, but I do not feel it is our role as borough elected officials to pass a resolution that is clearly covered and supported by our great nation,” he said.

Hausman Sell echoed Hoffner’s sentiment.

“I do not feel a Second Amendment sanctuary to be necessary,” Hausman Sell said.

Hausman Sell added she has faith that our country will make sure all our amendments stay protected.

Councilman Michael Ballard noted it was a just a resolution, and that council approving it is showing a good-faith effort.

Councilman Andrew Hollywood shared his thoughts with a reporter just before council was about to go into an executive session to discuss other unrelated matters.

“I am very happy with the bipartisan support for this resolution,” Hollywood said. “In my opinion, this resolution communicates to the residents of this town that we will protect their God given, constitutional rights. It also shows support for our neighbors in Bowmanstown, and I hope (it) sends a clear message to the (Carbon) county commissioners that there is support for them to do more.”

Brandon Bell, a Jim Thorpe native, was in attendance but didn’t speak to the matter.

Bell, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, is the lead coordinator of the movement and has visited various boroughs and townships asking government officials to consider adopting an ordinance that typically rejects the enforcement of state or federal gun laws sensed to violate the Second Amendment.

Last month Bowmanstown adopted a resolution declaring its borough as a Second Amendment sanctuary in accordance with the Second Amendment to the constitution of the United States of America.

Bell started a petition on the Change.org website that had 1,113 signatures as of this morning.