BOSTON - Earlier this summer, Gov. Maura Healey signed into law gun reform legislation which was actively opposed by pro-gun organizations. Now as time is ticking down to when that law is enforceable, those opponents are fighting harder than ever to stop it. 

“We need 49,716 signatures to be, to put a stop to this unconstitutional law and bring the fight to the ballot in 2026. This isn't a marathon, it's a sprint. We have just weeks to gather these signatures, to stand up and be counted, and to show the tyrants and government that we will not go quietly into the night,” said Toby Leary, the owner of Cape Gun Works. 

The Civil Rights Coalition is a grassroots group who have worked to collect signatures which would pause the law from going into effect and put it on the state’s referendum ballot in 2026. 

“Most people don't even know it happened,” said Leary. “So that's why we're bringing awareness to it to get people to sign. And here's the thing. If you're pro-gun or anti-gun, what's the problem with putting it on a ballot and asking the people to have two years to debate it?”

The gun reform law signed in July works to combat untraceable ghost guns, expands the red flag laws, and bans guns from schools and polling places. It also required live firearm training for those who are looking to purchase a gun. 

Opponents say the law is unconstitutional, and state Sen. Michael Moore welcomes the opportunity to bring it to the judicial system because he says this legislation is common sense. 

“As of right now I don’t think that there are any issues and I think that we are in compliance with the state and federal constitution,” said Moore. “If we are, let’s move the law forward. If not, let's have the court make a decision.” 

There is one current lawsuit against the bill. The law will go into effect at the end of October, so opponents of the legislation are in a big push to put a stop to it in the next few weeks. 

Signatures to create a referendum are due on Oct. 9.