Part of the reaction to last year’s landmark Bruen decision was for grandstanding political leaders in New York, California and Maryland to enact a whole new set of carry laws. These were designed to work around the standards the high court set for permitting law-abiding citizens to legally carry outside of the home for self-defense.
The all-out effort to nullify Bruen included Maryland’s SB 1, which essentially transformed the entire state into one giant “sensitive place.”
The National Rifle Association immediately filed suit against this egregious action in Kipke v. Moore. On Friday, the organization received good news.
In a 40-page opinion, U.S. District Judge George L. Russell III rejected part of the state’s attempt to nullify Bruen by restricting where firearms may be legally carried.
To be sure, it was a partial win but important nonetheless in the early stages of this battle against unconstitutional gun control. The primary victory came in the NRA’s effort to end the “private building consent rule.” This places every inch of private property in the state off-limits to legal concealed carry unless the property owner explicitly declares individuals may possess a firearm.
Had this rule been allowed to stand, it would effectively place most of the state in the no-carry zone.
The judge enjoined the prohibition on carrying in locations where alcoholic beverages are served. The state argued that these sites become “sensitive places” simply because they draw large gatherings.
And further, the judge blocked the ban on carrying at a demonstration, citing clear historical precedent. Six of the original 13 colonies had laws in place requiring citizens to be armed at public assemblies.
The fight against Maryland’s overreach continues, but Friday’s decision is an initial victory for those who treasure gun rights. States must not be allowed to run roughshod over the Constitution, and the NRA and other organizations continue to battle them at every turn.
