California Governor Gavin Newsom called Thursday’s decision by the US Supreme Court a “shame” that could significantly affect half a dozen states that more stringently regulate gun ownership.
Democratic Party leader Newsom, who administers one of the nation’s most populous and strictest firearms laws, said the Conservative court’s decision was a “dark day” for the country.
“This is a dangerous decision by a court determined to set an ideological agenda and violate states’ rights to protect our citizens from being shot in our streets, schools and churches. It is a disgrace,” he said.
A three-to-six decision by the highest court in the United States overturned a New York law that required a person to prove in public that he truly had “good cause” or a need in self-defense to carry a gun.
Dozens of states allow nearly unrestricted carrying of guns in public places, but in six Democratic-controlled states, gun owners must opt for concealed carry permits.
These permits are usually granted when the person can show “proper reason” and also why they should be armed in public places.
While it varies by county, this type of permit is required in California, New York, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and the District of Columbia.
For example, in Republican-led counties and rural California, licenses tend to be granted as long as the applicant has taken security classes and has no criminal record.
But in cities run by liberal politicians like San Francisco, there is a tendency to allow only those who can prove to be a “significant risk to your life” that law enforcement cannot counter.
Due to the federal system in the United States, the Supreme Court decision does not override these regional policies, but allows them to be challenged legally.
Officials in New York, Maryland, and Massachusetts spoke about it immediately. “If you carry a gun illegally in New York, you will be arrested,” said City Police Commissioner Keechant Sewell.
“We will review today’s decision to determine its impact on our state and continue to fight to protect the safety of Maryland citizens,” said State Attorney General Brian Frosh.
Maura Healey, her Massachusetts counterpart, said she would continue to comply with regional laws. “Massachusetts has one of the lowest firearm death rates in the country because we know restrictive laws save lives,” she said.
In New Jersey, Attorney General Matthew Platkin said the Supreme Court’s decision “ignores centuries of experience”.
“We will continue to enforce our strict and discreet gun laws that have become a model for states that want to combat the epidemic of gun violence,” he said.
source: Noticias
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