Bolinsky Supports Connecticut Antiques Trade

Photo: State Representative Mitch Bolinsky testifies before the Environment Committee

Hartford – State Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) testified on Monday, March 6, 2017 before the legislature’s Environment Committee in regard to two legislative proposals that seek to ban the sale and possession of ivory in Connecticut. Bolinsky expressed strong opposition to HB 6335: An Act Prohibiting The Sale & Trade Of Ivory & Rhinoceros Horn and support of HB 6338: An Act Concerning The Sale And Trade Of Ivory And Rhinoceros Horn In The State.

Regarding HB 6335, Bolinsky stated, “All that this hurtful proposed legislation seeks to do is pile-on and threaten the extinction of the Connecticut’s Antiques Trade, which is already subject to federal regulations aimed squarely at preventing the trafficking of illicit ivory. The fact is, there is no market for modern, ill-gotten poached ivory in Connecticut and there have been no prosecutions in our state since the federal laws were strengthened. We need to concern ourselves with ending the slaughter of elephants and rhinoceros at the source, in Africa, and with Far Eastern countries that are destinations for poached ivory and rhino horn. I find it shocking that HB 6335 does nothing to stop the slaughter of endangered species. It only punishes innocent people and over-reaches to ban, seize and render valueless, lawfully purchased, gifted or inherited antiques, works of art, family heirlooms and historical objects.”

Rep. Bolinsky also noted that the bill could be improved greatly and actually be used as a tool to protect elephants and rhinos, if only the proponents would borrow a page from a Massachusetts law passed last year that goes further to address funding of enforcement and anti-poaching activities, while not demonizing the possession or sale of legitimate antiques and historical pieces from Connecticut’s nautical past. In fact, Bolinsky pointed out to Environment Committee members that a proposed bill he authored, HB 6338 is based on the more robust Massachusetts statute and also more in line with federal regulations. It prohibits trade in illicit ivory products, creating a self-funded enforcement and preservation mechanism, without devastating the antiques business, antiquities trade and the very foundation of our cultural institutions’ collections.

Bolinsky concluded, “Connecticut Antiques dealers are our neighbors. They share our struggles. They are reputable, knowledgeable and law-abiding business people who comprise a multi-billion dollar economic sector. Outlawing antiques will not bring back a single majestic animal and I fear this proposal will have terrible, unintended consequences, like creating a black market for counterfeit antique-items made with the very contraband, illicit, modern ivory that threatens the extinction of these endangered species. HB 6335 is a bad proposal. If we feel we must pass some legislation on this non-Connecticut crisis, we should replace the bad proposal with one that endeavors to do good, HB 6338. It’s the right thing to do, as proven by those who know best, the antiques trade and Connecticut’s leading cultural institutions, including the Wadsworth Atheneum, Mystic Seaport Museum, Slater Memorial Museum, CT Historical Society and more.”

The Environment Committee has until Friday, March 24, 2017 to take further action on either proposal.

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