A federal judge upheld Colorado gun restrictions that were enacted in response to 2012 mass shootings, saying Thursday that limiting the size of ammunition magazines and expanding background checks on firearm purchases are constitutional acts.
But gun-rights advocates who sued the state to overturn the laws called the ruling only the first round and said they planned to appeal.
In a 50-page decision, U.S. District Judge Marcia Krieger said both laws don't infringe on individuals' right to bear arms. The judge further said that limiting magazine sizes doesn't obstruct individuals' ability to protect themselves, and that the expansion of background checks to include firearms sold online and between private parties "is no more severe" than the requirements already in place for commercial sales before the new law.
Gun rights advocates and county sheriffs filed the lawsuit to overturn the laws, which Democrats passed last year without Republican support.
Two Democratic state senators who voted for the laws were recalled from office. A third Democratic lawmaker resigned while a recall effort was ongoing.
Former state Sen. John Morse, one of the recalled lawmakers, welcomed the ruling.
"You can't have a 100-round magazine and walk into a movie theater and start killing people. That's not what the Second Amendment is about," Morse said.
Even before the ruling, Morse said he remained unwavering in his support for the laws even if they cost him his seat.
"I knew when we were doing it that it was the right thing to do. There's no question," he said.
Of course there's no question about it. It is bringing sanity to an insane situation in this country.
And it is very sad that John Morse had to sacrifice his career to help fight to protect potential future victims against gun violence.
All I have to say it that it is nice to hear something positive about gun control laws for a change.
It gives me a little hope for the future.
Its about time a sliver of sanity shines through in this country.
ReplyDeleteThere is no reason that ANYONE outside the military should have access to guns that are literally weapons of mass destruction.
Its beginning to be like living in a dystopian nightmare in this country with people walking around with weapons on their backs and law enforcement not charging anyone when children are killed. Screwed up gun fetishist think loaded guns are like sippy cups--to be left anywhere for children to pick up.
You reveal yourself ignorant of history, especially American history, and an understanding of human behavior, especially those with power. You should not be permitted into a voting booth anywhere in this country.
DeleteIn the mid-90s (DOMA, DADT), who would have imagined how rapidly attitudes in this country would change?
ReplyDeleteThis ruling is heartening. Every law that is upheld sets precedent. The intelligent, sane people will prevail. We have to hold firm against those who wish to use the 2nd amendment to be bullies and to revel in causing others to walk in fear just to massage their own insecurities and anger.
Why would county sheriffs have been opposed to the Colorado gun law? One would think that the people who have to show up at mass shootings and who are frequently threatened by gun-wielding crazies would want such reasonable restrictions.
ReplyDeleteBeaglemom
I respect this man for choosing to do what's right over what appears popular. It tells you something about his character. It IS nice to see a glimmer of hope, it restores my faith in humanity.
ReplyDeleteThe Colorado Sheriffs fought these laws because they recognized that despite the left's claims of "reasonable" and "common sense", these laws are a direct assault on the natural rights of Americans as specified by (not given by) the 2nd Amendment to the US Constitution. Good riddance to Morse and the rest of them. Think about the hubris of him saying that he decided to do what he felt was right and not what his constituents demanded. Apparently "representative" of the people was a concept lost on the former State Senator.
ReplyDelete