Gun owner Christopher Conn of Cranston is among several hundred gun rights advocates who rallied at the State House Thursday. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News

By Steve Klamkin WPRO News

Gun rights advocates rallied at the State House Thursday, opposing a bill that would require registration of guns.

Several hundred people filled the rotunda to hear speakers criticize the measure as an infringement of their Second Amendment right to bear arms, and an additional and unconstitutional tax on gun ownership.

"It's a sneaky tax that they're trying to put in there, it's just wrong," said Rep. Doreen Costa (R-North Kingstown) who led the rally.

Costa and other gun owners object to House Bill #5573, submitted by Rep. Linda Finn, (D-Middletown), requiring all firearms be registered with local police, with a $100 fee per firearm.

"We are law abiding citizens, we do everything by the book. I've been (finger) printed, I've been background checked, I shouldn't have to do it again. I shouldn't have to spend another hundred dollars on my firearms, it's just wrong," said Costa.

"This bill that's being proposed would trample our rights under the Second Amendment, and therefore is unconstitutional," said Rep. Michael Chippendale, (R-Foster). He harkened back to the day last month that lawmakers were sworn in to office to begin their term.

"And those that have submitted it and support it, I would like to ask them, what part of "so help me God" do you not understand when you swore that oath?"

No hearing has been scheduled for the bill. Rep. Costa said she hopes to scuttle it quickly.

Reps. Doreen Costa and Michael Chippendale lead a gun rally Thursday at the State
House. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News