IRON MOUNTAIN — The Dickinson County Board affirmed its support of “the right of people to keep and bear arms” in a resolution passed Monday night before scores of gun rights advocates.

Dickinson’s resolution is similar to one adopted last month in Marquette County in response to a public proposal to establish a “Second Amendment Sanctuary County.”

Like the Marquette measure, Dickinson County’s resolution falls short of the sanctuary idea, but does declare a “commitment and promise” to support individual rights.

Over the course of 30 minutes, 13 people addressed the board to promote the sanctuary county movement, while two citizens spoke against it.

Second Amendment sanctuary declarations are aimed at blocking enforcement of gun laws perceived to be in violation of the U.S. Constitution. Such resolutions are touted as an effective way to resist gun control legislation, although they don’t carry the force of law.

The idea is inspired by so-called sanctuary cities that limit their cooperation with aspects of federal immigration enforcement.

Delta County became a Second Amendment sanctuary earlier this month in a 3-2 vote by the county board. Commissioner David Moyle described the action as “a symbolic resolution” that “does not have the weight of law.” The Delta resolution does, however, support the county’s sheriff and prosecuting attorney in the exercise of their discretion to not enforce unconstitutional firearms laws.

In Wisconsin, Florence County declared itself a Second Amendment sanctuary in November and included examples of measures the county sheriff could choose not to enforce, such as requirements for firearms owner identification cards.

At Monday’s Dickinson County Board meeting, potential “red flag” laws were cited several times by Second Amendment sanctuary supporters. Seventeen states and the District of Columbia have implemented such laws, but not Michigan and Wisconsin.

In Indiana, a red flag law that has been in existence since 2005 allows police to temporarily confiscate firearms from people who are threatening to harm themselves or others. A judge must find probable cause for the seizure, or the firearms are returned.

Craig VanPembrook of Breitung Township predicted red flag laws will follow a “give an inch, take a mile” course, leading to the confiscation of guns from veterans suffering post-traumatic stress or ex-spouses involved in disputes.

Aaron Miller of Iron Mountain said red flag laws are “immoral and unconstitutional” and potentially put “law-abiding citizens and the police at odds with another.”

Steve Smith of Kingsford said a sanctuary resolution “gives a very strong signal that we’re going to stand together” in protection of individual rights.

Sara Westman of Iron Mountain said gun laws that limit magazine capacities actually restrict self-defense, while Tom Westman of Quinnesec said the Second Amendment exists to give citizens the right to “stand up against a tyrannical government.”

Opposition came from Judy Stock of Kingsford, who wondered if a sanctuary resolution would put the county board at legal risk if laws are “willfully” ignored and a tragedy occurs. She also termed sanctuary resolutions as “nothing more than political posturing.”

Pam Maule of Iron Mountain said laws that are passed for safety reasons — such as keeping guns out of the hands of people posing a threat — shouldn’t simply be dismissed.

Indiana’s red flag law was adopted in response to the 2004 slaying of an Indianapolis police officer by a mentally ill man who randomly opened fire several months after his release from a hospital for emergency detention. Although police had confiscated the man’s guns before his release, they were returned at his request because no law existed for authorities to legally retain them.

Dickinson County’s resolution in support of the Second Amendment — a late addition to Monday’s agenda — was adopted unanimously. It will be forwarded to the Legislature, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Michigan members of Congress.

Commissioner Barbara Kramer, a Republican, said it’s ultimately up to the U.S. Supreme Court and the Michigan Supreme Court to rule on the constitutionality of gun control measures.

She urged citizens to “be vigilant and pay attention to what happens.” If questionable laws do get passed, she said, “you have to go to the judiciary.”

Commissioner John Degenaer Jr., a Democrat, acknowledged that critics often link his party to efforts to weaken gun rights. “We’re not all that way,” he said.

Monday marked the introduction of full-time courthouse security in Dickinson County, with law enforcement deploying a scanner to screen citizens for weapons.

“It’s necessary and something we’re going to continue,” Controller Brian Bousley noted during his report to the board and public.