US Supreme Court repeals New York gun law

This historic decision, taken by a vote of six to three, enshrines the right of Americans to leave their homes armed, just weeks after a series of mass killings, including those in Ovaldi and Buffalo.

New York law, dating back to 1913, restricted the issuance of concealed carry permits to people who had reason to believe they might have to defend themselves, whether due to occupation or potential threats.

However, according to the ruling written by conservative judge Clarence Thomas,and fourteenAmendments to the Constitution protect the individual’s right to carry a handgun for self-defense outside the home”, text: “The Second and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution protect the individual’s right to carry a gun for self-defense outside the home” }} “>The Second and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution protect the right of an individual to carry a handgun for self-defense outside his home.

He added that the restrictions imposed by the state of New York are therefore unconstitutional because they Prevent law-abiding citizens with ordinary needs for self-defense from enjoying their right to own and bear arms.

” We do not know of any other constitutional right that an individual can exercise only after demonstrating a certain need for representatives of public authorities. »

The judgment concludes that Reasonable and well-defined limitations remain possible, especially in sensitive places Such as legislatures or courts, but it is up to the courts to evaluate them with consideration History and traditions Americans.

The six justices who approved the decision are all associated with the conservative wing of the Supreme Court, which has become a clear majority since the Trump administration’s appointments.

Instead, the three progressive justices distanced themselves from the ruling they severely limits countries’ efforts to try to reduce gun violence. Their argument, written by Justice Stephen Breyer, regrets the court’s doing its job Without considering the potentially fatal consequences of his decision And remember that2020, 45222Americans killed by firearms “,” text “:” In 2020, 45,222 Americans were killed with firearms “,”}}”>In 2020, 45,222 Americans were killed by firearms.

The New York law was challenged by two state residents, Robert Nash and Brandon Koch, who had only a limited right to carry a handgun outside their homes, and the New York State Rifle and Revolver Association, a subsidiary of the National Rifle Association (NRA), a powerful gun lobby .

Repercussions across the country

The ruling by the highest US court will have repercussions in other US states with similar laws, including California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Hawaii, according to court filings.

The Second Amendment to the Constitution was ratified in 1791, and it states thatA well-organized militia is essential to the security of a free nation, and the right of the people to keep and bear arms will not be infringed.

In 1939, the Supreme Court ruled that this amendment protected the right to use weapons as part of a law enforcement force, such as the military or the police, but it was not a right in individual self-defense.

However, it changed its position during a landmark ruling in 2008, which for the first time established the right to have a gun at home for self-defense.

However, it was left to cities and states to regulate the transportation of guns outside the home, which is why current rules vary from place to place. Thursday’s ruling puts an end to this latitude.

The Fourteenth Amendment states that a state cannot adopt or impose Laws restricting the privileges or immunities of US citizens Neither Depriving any person of his life, liberty or property without legal action.

torrent of reactions

US President Joe Biden, who has sided with New York State on this issue, hastened to let her know that he is deeply disappointed With this end. Judgment is against common sense and the constitution and should trouble us allHe said in a statement.

” I urge states to continue to pass and enforce common sense laws to protect citizens and communities. […] I invite all Americans […] To raise their voices about gun safety. Lives are at stake. »

The US Department of State went further by saying that it is I respectfully disagree with the court’s conclusionwhich invalidates reasonable requirements New York law.

New York Governor Kathy Hochhol, Democrat of New York, expressed her regret the black day She said to herself Sorry From the decision of the Supreme Court. he is It is outrageous, so outrageous that these judges took away our rights to enjoy reasonable limitations She told reporters. We may have limits on freedom of expression […] But there is nothing in the Second AmendmentShe was angry.

” Our country is in the midst of an epidemic of gun violence, and instead of working to protect our communities, the Court is making it easier for potentially dangerous people to carry concealed weapons in public. »

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said he fears the Supreme Court ruling could inflame the matter wave of armed violence. The ex-cop says he’ll try Mitigating the risks arising from this decision To prevent New York from changing in the wild west.

Instead, the NRA, which has long advocated a literal reading of the US Constitution’s Second Amendment, praised instead, Victoiredelighted to announce the court unconstitutional they restrictions Carrying a weapon stipulated by law.

” The Supreme Court has affirmed that the right to bear arms does not stop at the door of the house. »

An hour after the Supreme Court ruling, US senators voted 65 to 34 to introduce a bill containing measures to reduce gun violence. The legislation is a first step forward in decades, but falls short of the actions President Joe Biden has demanded.