Gilmer County becomes the latest to declare itself a Second Amendment Sanctuary in a growing movement across the country to protect gun rights.

The movement started in wake of anti-gun legislation being considered by the Virginia Legislature.

Jason Williamson of Ellijay joined a packed Gilmer County commission meeting Thursday night to present a petition with 700 signatures.

“It is clear that across the United States that we need to send a message to Washington D.C., state and local elected officials, that we, the people, do not want our right to bear arms infringed upon--period,” he told the commission.

Joene DePlanke, also of Ellijay, told commissioners it’s important for the county to join the movement.

“Our forefathers worked hard to give us these rights. And we just would like to make sure that Gilmer County is determined to protect our Second Amendment rights in the U.S. Constitution,” she said.

The three commissioners passed the resolution unanimously.

Chairman Charlie Paris tells WSB’s Sandra Parrish it’s important for all Georgia counties to come together on this.

“I don’t think that our current state folks would be threatening us. (But) I do believe the federal people, at any time, would love to start restricting gun rights,” he says.

Paris says the resolution makes a statement more than anything.

“That we’re opposed to this and that we would not willingly surrender our guns,” he says.