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GOAL Files Legislation in Response to Landmark Civil Rights Decision


On June 23, 2022 the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) issued a decision in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen. In this landmark civil rights decision, the Court ruled that the Second Amendment is indeed an individual right enumerated in the Bill of Rights. Further, the decision reiterated that: “The constitutional right to bear arms in public for self-defense is not a second-class right, subject to an entirely different body of rules…”

In the Court’s majority opinion, Justice Thomas clearly stated that self-defense is the central component to the Second Amendment.

Justice Thomas – “Moreover, confining the right to “bear” arms to the home would make little sense given that self-defense is “the cen­tral component of the [Second Amendment] right itself.”

In response to the Court’s decision, Gun Owners’ Action League (GOAL) is very pleased to work with Massachusetts State Representative Jeffrey Turco, in filing our Civil Rights Restoration Act.

"The Supreme Court has made clear that self-defense is a right protected by the United States Constitution.  Further, the Court made clear that our current licensing scheme violates the Constitution. Today's bill will bring Massachusetts gun laws into compliance with the Constitution and I proudly sponsor the important legislation," said Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D. Winthrop).

While the legislation does not address every part of the Commonwealth’s gun laws that we find abhorrent to our inalienable rights, it is a beginning that rests soundly on specific matters covered under Bruen.

“It is long past time for the Commonwealth to begin to recognize the Second Amendment community as equals rather than second class citizens,” said Jim Wallace Executive Director. “For far too long we have faced overwhelming social bigotry from our own government. The days of our community being used as scapegoats for the State’s lack of action against violent criminals is over thanks to the United States Supreme Court.”

 

Click here to view the legislative summary – PDF

 

Click here to view the language of the legislation - PDF 


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