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Indiana Rep. Jim Lucas has written a piece of legislation that would require journalists to register and be licensed by state police. But he isn't actually eager to limit First Amendment rights—rather, he’s trying to make a point about the way the Second Amendment is often infringed.
USA Today reports that under the proposed bill, professional journalists would have to apply for a license, be fingerprinted and pay a fee. The process is generally the same as what is required for a concealed-carry license. “If you’re OK licensing my Second Amendment right, what’s wrong with licensing your First Amendment right?” Lucas asked.
“If I was as irresponsible with my handgun as the media has been with their keyboard, I’d probably be in jail,” noted Lucas of the prevalent double standard. He hasn’t yet opted to officially file the bill, but his message about unequal protection of constitutional rights has been heard loud and clear.
