Gun-rights advocates won't be silenced at upcoming Wheaton forum

Just because they weren't allowed to speak during a recent gun control forum in Wheaton doesn't mean a group of gun-rights supporters will keep silent.

In fact, many gun owners' rights advocates voiced displeasure over what they called a "one-sided" April 21 forum hosted by several League of Women Voters chapters and the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

On Tuesday night, it's their turn to take the podium at Wheaton city hall.

Rosanna Pulido, who recently ran as the Republican candidate in Illinois' 5th Congressional District, has organized a forum about the Second Amendment and the right to bear arms. She said the event is a response to dozens of gun-rights supporters being prohibited from speaking during last month's gun control meeting.

"To make up their minds, people must hear both sides of the story," Pulido said.

Last month's forum was organized to educate Wheaton North High School students about "sensible gun laws." But the event became contentious after more than 170 people, many of them gun-rights supporters, showed up.

Michelle Jordan, who moderated the meeting, says the last-minute decision to ban public comment was made because several audience members were being disruptive and making catcalls. Someone heckled the main speaker, a Chicago man who survived the Virginia Tech massacre two years ago.

Gun-rights supporters in the crowd later accused Jordan of inviting the discord by being "rude and dismissive" to them. "I have never before in my life been called rude or dismissive," said Jordan, state counsel for the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence.

Pulido says Tuesday's forum will give everyone the opportunity to express their views. She said she plans to devote at least 40 minutes to public comment and questions.

Mike Weisman, first vice president of the Illinois State Rifle Association, said he hopes the forum is well received.

"It was the right of the people who organized that (April 21 meeting) to do whatever they want to - to have it be a non-forum," Weisman said. "So if pro-gun people want to get out and have an interactive forum, more power to them."

Pulido said many of the dozen or so speakers expected to talk are local high school students who are "actively involved in shooting sports and defending the Second Amendment."

The featured speaker will be Paula Bratich, co-coordinator of the Second Amendment Sisters' Illinois chapter. Another speaker, Don Castella, is expected to provide an update about efforts to pass conceal-and-carry legislation in the state.

While event organizers say gun control advocates are invited to participate, Jordan said the Illinois Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence isn't planning to send a representative.

Tuesday's forum is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. in the council chambers of Wheaton city hall, 303 W. Wesley St.