LaMalfa Celebrates Ruling Upholding Second Amendment Rights

Statement

Today, Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R -- Richvale) reacted to the United State Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen (NYSRPA v. Bruen). This case challenged the constitutionality of a New York State law that requires applicants for unrestricted concealed carry licenses to show "proper cause" in their application. The Court ruled 6-3 to strike down the New York law, stating that law-abiding citizens have a right to carry handguns publicly for self-defense, and that this law violated the Second and the Fourteenth Amendments. Current New York law is similar to California, which allows state officials to exercise discretion when determining if a person has shown a good enough reason to be able to carry a firearm outside of their home, and must demonstrate a special need for self-defense and cite a specific threat. The Court ruled that individuals have a right to protect themselves outside of the home and that any restrictions to the people's Second Amendment rights must pass the highest legal bar, strict scrutiny.

Congressman LaMalfa joined 175 of his colleagues in the United States House of Representatives in filing an amicus brief in support of overturning the New York state law.

"Law abiding citizens shouldn't have to ask permission to exercise their basic Constitutional rights. If the people have to ask the permission from the government to exercise a basic right, is it truly a right? I am happy that in this case the Supreme Court upheld the clear meaning of the Constitution. It is a shame that even today, governments are scheming to restrict a clearly defined right. No arbitrary decision by a bureaucrat or state official should be able to tell someone that they don't deserve a right to self-defense. The Constitution explicitly states, "The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed", period. I look forward to continuing the fighting in Congress to ensure our rights and freedoms are protected," said Congressman LaMalfa.

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