Senator Joseph Cervantes of New Mexico is urging for civil discourse over Senate Bill 279 amid tensions and threats against him.
Quick Takes
- Senator Joseph Cervantes calls for civility after a death threat was posted against him.
- The threat relates to Senate Bill 279 regarding firearm regulation.
- Cervantes opposes blanket gun bans but chairs the committee on the bill.
- Despite the threat, Cervantes plans to proceed with the bill’s hearing.
Tensions Rise Over Senate Bill 279
Senator Joseph Cervantes, chair of the New Mexico Senate Judiciary Committee, is facing increasing challenges regarding Senate Bill 279, which focuses on regulating specific firearms and accessories. The bill has sparked division among lawmakers. While Cervantes himself does not support blanket gun control measures, his position as chair means he oversees the legislative process surrounding the bill.
A recent GOP social media post accused Cervantes of supporting gun bans, a claim he disputes. Alarmingly, the post included his home address and insinuations of treason, leading to discussions of severe punishment. These acts prompted Cervantes to advocate for mature and respectful dialogue among his colleagues and the public.
Calls for Civility in the Face of Threats
Senator Cervantes has repeatedly called for calm and respectful communication after receiving threats. He urged Senate Republicans to publicly denounce the threatening behavior and the misinformation spread about him. Despite the gravity of the threats, Cervantes opted not to file a police report to avoid drawing further attention to the incident.
“I’m a big boy, so I’m used to politics, distortions, lies and mistruths,” Cervantes said on the Senate floor. “But when it leads to some of the comments that were made on that Republican website that include my home address, GPS coordinates to my home and a suggestion that I’m treasonous and that the penalty for treason is death — it really requires me to stand up and say: Let’s work together cooperatively, intelligently and ask you all to denounce that type of rhetoric.” – Sen. Joseph Cervantes
William Sharer, Minority Floor Leader, addressed the situation by condemning violence while expressing his belief that the sentiment behind the post was not false. He called for an end to threatening language.
Proceeding with Legislative Responsibilities
Cervantes remains committed to moving forward with the legislative discussion surrounding Senate Bill 279, ensuring the democratic process carries on despite contentious rhetoric. He is clear about his stance as a gun owner and his rejection of any sweeping gun bans, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach in legislative matters.
“I reject the idea that it was a lie, mostly because the chair of the committee gets to decide what happens in that committee, and certainly we were told that this was getting ready to happen in that committee,” Sharer said on the floor. “So, while I understand his concern, and I deeply, deeply, deeply do not condone any violence or any threat of violence — for that, I ask whoever’s out there doing that: Stop. Stop.” – William Sharer
Cervantes is determined to maintain focus on his duties and to bring Senate Bill 279 to a hearing. His actions underscore the significance of upholding civil discourse and ensuring all voices are heard, providing a platform for constructive debate.
Sources
1. Lawmaker receives death threat over gun ban bill
2. Senator calls for ‘civility’ after death threat following New Mexico GOP post
