Opinion
Fairfax, VA – -(Ammoland.com)- On October 18th, law-abiding gun owners won a major victory when the Washington Superior Court granted a motion for summary judgment against the City of Edmonds for violating the state’s preemption statute. This win invalidates the mandatory firearm storage ordinance passed by the City Council, and constitutes a victory for freedom and the Second Amendment.
This ordinance struck down by the court was passed by the City Council in clear violation of Washington’s state preemption statute and undeniably interfered with the right of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves in their homes. The NRA & SAF also filed a lawsuit against the City of Seattle for passing a similar ordinance, which is now under review at the state Court of Appeals.
This ordinance and those like it would restrict self-defense by making it illegal for individuals to keep firearms in a private residence unless the firearms are kept in a “locked container.” Under this vague standard, non-compliant storage was subject to a fine of up to $10,000. This scheme was nothing short of an invasion of private property rights for the purpose of undermining our Second Amendment freedoms.
Washington State’s preemption statute was passed in 1983 to maintain consistency of firearm and ammunition laws throughout the state. The State Legislature retained full authority to regulate and create laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition to ensure such consistency. Second Amendment rights are guaranteed to all citizens, regardless of where they reside. The City of Edmonds’ ordinance is exactly the type of legislation the state preemption statute was designed to guard against.
We applaud the court for upholding the rights of Washington’s law-abiding gun owners, and will continue to fight for your Second Amendment rights. Please stay tuned to www.nraila.org and your email inbox for further updates on the Evergreen State.
About:
Established in 1975, the Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) is the “lobbying” arm of the National Rifle Association of America. ILA is responsible for preserving the right of all law-abiding individuals in the legislative, political, and legal arenas, to purchase, possess and use firearms for legitimate purposes as guaranteed by the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Visit: www.nra.org
So apparently in WA there was a problem with unlocked guns? If they were concerned about criminals obtaining weapons through theft, a safely locked weapon wouldn’t do anything to deter a burglar. Don’t know what gets into elected officials to think they are above the law or are they just ignorant, but as this occurred in Pittsburgh a lawsuit will start and the taxpayers will foot the bill for politicians virtue signalling for votes. Either way the citizens suffer for the sins of the officials.
These morons are trying to get people murdered in their own homes.
A locked up weapon is the same as NO weapon.
I would pray that parents are smart enough to keep them locked up when children are around,to prevent a catastrophe you never live down.
Personally I have found it best to carry a weapon at all times,(kids can;t get to it), and I am protected 24/7.If you cannot carry a sub compact sub compact use a .380 anyone can hide those,and they have a 60% one shot stop center of mass with the best ammo.
Thank you, Will. I did!
Need to send this to major potatoe in Pittsburgh and PA governor Wolf
The only way to ensure that the swamp gets drained — and stays drained!!! — is if these swampy creatures are “escorted off the playing field (to be determined by the reader.”) Otherwise, they will simply blend in with the pond scum as part of their tactics, plotting their next takeover of this or that. To all 2A proponents: stay frosty. America IS under attack!
As a member of the GOA, I’m sorely disappointed that they were not involved in this, instead sitting back and letting the NRA carry their water.