News: Judge Rejects NY Gun Law Challenge
(Long Island, N.Y.) A federal judge upheld a New York State law that requires applicants to show a special need for self-protection before winning a license to carry a handgun. Reports stated that a higher court may have the final say and that the case has been taken to the Second United States Circuit Court of Appeals. Should the case be pursued, it may be brought to the Supreme Court, making many Long Islanders feel that the current laws regarding gun carrying permits may be too rigid.
The plaintiffs are five residents of Westchester County, who believe that they were wrongly denied gun licenses. Sources claimed that the plaintiffs also feel that licenses are often granted based on the personal agendas of members of the law enforcement/legal departments and judges.
According to reports, the plaintiffs sued the county and its judges who denied their applications. To support their argument, and to give evidence of the judge’s unconstitutional rejections of permits, the plaintiffs cited information on recent rulings in Chicago and Washington, D.C. Currently, state law grants licenses for storekeepers, judges, bank messengers, and those in other professions who may be considered vulnerable and in need of protection.
Sources also stated that the plaintiffs cited many reasons for wanting the permits. Some of the reasons include the desire to get involved in competitive shooting, the threat of violence, and the possibility of being a subject of hate crimes. Though many believe that it is unconstitutional to limit gun ownership in any way, the issue seems to be whether it is lawful to limit ownership in the home.
Long Island’s Second Amendment Rights Group, Long Island Firearms, holds events throughout the year regarding the right to bear arms. Earlier this year they organized an event in Ronkonkoma, and reports stated that the Long Island club has around three thousand members.
The Second Amendment Foundation (SAF) is an agency that promotes a better understanding about the rights to privately own and possess firearms. They also host educational and legal action programs to inform the public about the gun control debate and ongoing issues.
