Coutu Protects the Rights of Connecticut Gun Owners

HARTFORD — Rep. Christopher Coutu today testified during a Judiciary Committee hearing where legislators considered the controversial topic of microstamping guns. Coutu, of Norwich, was among 200 or so people concerned that microstamping would infringe on rights afforded by the second amendment. Such technology would use lasers to make microscopic engravings on the breech face and firing pin of a gun. When a gun is fired, a code identifying the gun’s serial number is stamped onto the cartridge. Microstamping advocates say it would aid law enforcement officials in investigating gun crimes. Opponents, however, contend such technology would do nothing other than create a registry of gun owners — a registry that would be useful in a gun confiscation program. “It seems that year after year the state goes after the rights of legal gun owners,” said Coutu, a member of the committee. “This is challenging rights set by our Constitution.” What’s more, Coutu believes legislation installing microstamping would hurt the gun industry in Connecticut and put people out of work. Several groups testified against the proposal today, as the bill would require that all weapons upon every transfer, even between family members, be in compliance.