Bishop Wester thanks Gov. Herbert for HB76 veto

In response to Utah Gov. Gary Herbert’s veto of HB76, the Concealed Weapon Carry Amendments, Bishop John C. Wester of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City has issued the following statement: “I am very grateful to Gov. Herbert for vetoing HB76. I think it was a prudent and wise decision because I believe that HB76 was a dangerous law that did away with what few safeguards we have in addressing gun proliferation in our country. I am thankful for Gov. Herbert’s veto, and I believe that the majority of Utahns feel the same way, for the legislation would have removed the background check and training that are two important components for responsible ownership of something as lethal as a firearm.

“Our current laws strive to keep guns from those who would endanger human life. I hope and pray that our Legislature will follow Gov. Herbert’s lead and, in the interest of protecting human life, refrain from overriding the veto.”