Sabattus selectmen rejected a proposal to have townspeople vote at June's town meeting on an ordinance that would require every Sabattus head of household to own a gun.

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  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.