SABATTUS, Maine (AP) — Selectmen in a central Maine town have rejected a resident’s proposal to require all homes to have firearms.

Sabattus selectmen on Tuesday voted down a proposal put forth by retired police officer David Marsters to have townspeople vote at June’s town meeting on a proposed ordinance that would require every Sabattus head of household to own a gun.

Marsters said such a law would promote safety and deter criminal activity in town.

The Sun Journal (http://bit.ly/12sYqe6 ) reported that Police Chief Anthony Ward told selectmen he opposed the measure. He said he’s a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, but also believes people ‘‘also have the right not to bear arms.’’

Marsters’ proposal failed by a vote of 4-0, with two selectmen abstaining.

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