HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Pennsylvania’s constitution says the right to bear arms “shall not be questioned,” but lawmakers are questioning whether some restrictions would reduce gun violence.

House Democrats moved on gun control bills Monday, just days after three detectives in York County were murdered.

There was a moment of silence before the hearing on gun control bills: House Bill 1099 would ban ghost guns, House Bill 1593 would require background checks even for long guns, House Bill 1859, an extreme risk protection or red flag law, and House Bill 1866 would ban devices that turn guns into machine guns.

All 14 democrats voted for them, and all 12 republicans were against.

“It is the gunman and not the gun, which is the cause of the attack,” State Rep. Tim Bonner (R-Butler/Mercer counties) said. “Much like when we have a car wreck, it is not the car, it’s the driver of the car.”

“Criminals will carry guns regardless of permits,” Judiciary Committee Chair Rob Kauffman said. “So law-abiding citizens should be able to do the same to protect themselves.”

It is said the minority gets its say, and the majority gets its way.

Republican Stephanie Borowicz was the most vocal.

“Guns aren’t the problem,” she said. “It’s people’s hearts. It’s men’s hearts. We need to teach. Do not murder. Ten Commandments need to be back in our schools. The most violence is committed in cities that have the strictest gun laws. Look at Chicago, that Donald Trump’s going to have to go in and clean up. I brought copies this morning of the list of the last mass shootings that have been from transgenders, sadly, in this nation. Enough is enough. Liberals’ answer is more government control? The answer is Jesus.”

However, Democrat Tim Briggs, who chairs the committee, doesn’t share the same ideas as Borowicz.

“It’s disturbing in my eyes where she, where her heart is,” Briggs said.

But the votes were with Democrats.

“We have a Bill of Rights,” Pennsylvania Director for Gun Owners of America Val Finnell said. “We don’t have a bill and needs.”

The Gun Owners of America called the bills unconstitutional and the hearing virtue signaling.

“Virtue signaling means exactly what it says,” Finnell said. “It’s, it’s just a showpiece to say they feel like they’re doing something when it’s doing absolutely nothing.”

“Everything’s an exercise in futility until we’re ready to save some lives,” Ceasefire PA’s Executive Director Adam Garber said.

Orange-clad Ceasefire PA folks promise to keep fighting for gun limits.

“I believe if they get to the governor’s desk and become law, they will save some lives,” Garber said.

The bills passed out of committee on Monday. They may pass the full house, but if history is our guide, they likely won’t pass the Republican-controlled Senate.