California’s Gun Carrying Law Blocked Again by 9th Circuit Court of Appeals: Public Spaces Still Free for Firearm Holders

SACRAMENTO, California – A California law that would have prohibited residents from carrying firearms in most public spaces has been temporarily blocked by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The court ruled against the decision made last week to allow the law to go into effect in 2024. The law, known as SB2 and signed by Governor Gavin Newsom in September, aimed to ban Californians from carrying guns in 26 types of public places including parks, sports stadiums, hospitals, and houses of worship. It also introduced new guidelines for obtaining a concealed carry weapons permit, such as being at least 21 years old, providing character references, and undergoing a background check.

While the latest ruling allows certain provisions of SB2 to remain in effect, the part of the law that forbids carrying guns in most public places has been temporarily halted. This decision comes after a series of legal battles over the past few weeks. In December, U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney ruled against SB2, stating that it violated the Second Amendment. However, last week, an appeals court overturned this decision, only for it to be blocked again by the recent ruling.

Governor Newsom has been a staunch supporter of SB2, arguing that it would enhance public safety in California. In response to the latest ruling, the Governor’s Office affirmed that they will appeal, asserting that the decision puts Californians’ lives at risk. They emphasized their commitment to defending the state’s progress in gun safety.

It is important to note that the recent ruling is not final, and further legal proceedings are expected. The outcome of this case will have significant implications for gun control measures and the Second Amendment rights in California.

In summary, a California law aimed at restricting the carrying of guns in public spaces has been temporarily blocked by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The law, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, faced legal challenges and was first ruled against in December. Although an appeals court initially allowed it to go into effect, this decision has now been reversed. The Governor’s Office plans to appeal, emphasizing the importance of protecting California’s progress in gun safety. The final resolution of this case will have significant implications for the state’s gun control regulations and the interpretation of the Second Amendment.