A federal judge has blocked a California law that would have banned carrying firearms in most public places, ruling that it violates the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
The backstory: The law, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September, was set to take effect on January 1 and would have prohibited carrying concealed guns in 26 public places such as parks, playgrounds, churches, banks, and zoos.
- The ban would have applied regardless of whether the person had a concealed carry permit or not, with an exception for privately owned businesses that allowed guns on their premises.
Driving the news: U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law, describing it as “sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.”
- The judge believes that gun rights groups are likely to succeed in proving the law unconstitutional, indicating that it may be permanently overturned.
What they’re saying: The California Rifle and Pistol Association, which sued to block the law, sees the judge’s decision as a victory and argues that law-abiding citizens should be able to defend themselves.
- State Attorney General Rob Bonta intends to appeal the decision, stating that upholding it would put communities in danger by allowing guns in places where families and children gather.
- Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his disappointment with the ruling, vowing to continue pushing for stricter gun measures and calling the decision “outrageous”.
