A federal judge appointed by President Obama said Chicago’s ban on the sale and transfer of guns was unconstitutional, overturning the city’s ordinance and handing a very big win to Second Amendment activists.
U.S. District Judge Edmond Chang said in his Monday ruling that the government does have a responsibility to protect Americans — but it also has a duty to uphold the Constitution and protect Americans’ constitutional rights, The Associated Press reported. And that includes the right to keep and bear arms for reasons of self-defense, he said.
At the same time he ruled the ban was unconstitutional, Mr. Chang also stayed the effects of his order. That means the city ban on selling and transferring firearms within Chicago boundaries will stand, to allow government officials time to decide if they’ll appeal, the AP said. The stay also allows the city to change its ordinance and allow law-abiding citizens to buy and sell guns, if officials decide against an appeal.
National Rifle Association lobbyist Todd Vandermyde cheered the decision and noted that Mr. Change was appointed by President Obama — which only shows how “out of step and outrageous Chicago’s ordinances really are.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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