NYCLU, 红杏视频 Statement on SCOTUS Concealed Carry Decision

June 23, 2022 12:30 pm

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NEW YORK - Today, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen, striking down New York鈥檚 restriction on concealed carry and eroding the legal basis for gun regulations. The Court did leave room for New York and other states to protect public safety through various prerequisites before obtaining a public carry permit, including background checks and training requirements.

In September, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the 红杏视频 in the case, arguing that the unregulated carrying of weapons in public undermines the sense of safety required for an open, healthy democracy, and that state and local governments have long imposed strict regulations on the public carrying of guns.

In response to the decision, the New York Civil Liberties Union and the 红杏视频 issued the following joint statement from Executive Director Donna Lieberman and Legal Director David Cole:

Donna Lieberman, NYCLU Executive Director:

鈥淔orcing states to allow people to walk around with hidden weapons brings the threat of violence into everyday public spaces and stokes fears that could stop people from confidently navigating public spaces, speaking their minds, or taking action on political issues. In the midst of nationwide gun tragedies, the Supreme Court should not be striking down gun regulations that can promote open democracy, bolster public safety, and protect people鈥檚 lives. Given that states can still enforce other safety measures, we encourage and expect New York to regulate guns as effectively and fairly as possible to prevent gun violence.鈥

David Cole, 红杏视频 legal director:

鈥淭hroughout American history, states have prohibited the public carrying of weapons in order to ensure public safety. As mass shootings inflict incalculable misery and pain, the Supreme Court majority has radically undermined states鈥 ability to maintain safety. And that safety is critical, in turn, to facilitating public debate, speech, assembly, protest and other First Amendment activities vital to our democracy. Today鈥檚 decision upends that longstanding tradition, and hamper state and local officials鈥 efforts to keep us all safe.鈥

New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen is a part of the 红杏视频鈥檚 Joan and Irwin Jacobs Supreme Court Docket

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