(June 26, 2008)—Top Texas officials praised the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling Thursday that Americans have an individual right to own guns for self-defense and hunting, ending Washington D.C.’s 32-year-old ban on handguns.
But reaction around the country was a little more mixed.
The court's 5-4 ruling went further than even the Bush administration wanted, but probably leaves most firearms laws intact.
The court had not conclusively interpreted the Second Amendment since its ratification in 1791.
The amendment reads: "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed."
The basic issue for the justices was whether the amendment protects an individual's right to own guns no matter what, or whether that right is somehow tied to service in a state militia.
Justice Antonin Scalia wrote in the majority opinion that the Constitution does not permit "the absolute prohibition of handguns held and used for self-defense in the home,” but also said the ruling would not affect laws that ban felons and the mentally ill from owning guns or prohibit people from carrying guns in sensitive places like schools and government buildings.
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Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock, applauded the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
“Today’s decision is a huge victory for law-abiding citizens in Washington, D.C.,” Carter said.
“The right to keep and bear arms is a constitutional right which was intended for every American citizen, and should not exclude those who reside in the District of Colombia or any other state,” Carter said.
Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said the court made the correct decision.
“Texans have always cherished the Second Amendment right, which preserves the freedom to defend our homes and families. Today’s decision provides a greater guarantee that this basic Constitutional right remains secure from government intrusion” he said.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, said the case was “the perfect vehicle for the Supreme Court to affirm that the Second Amendment protects an individual’s right to self-defense.”
“Today’s ruling is a major victory for the rights of all Americans to protect themselves and their families,” Hutchison said.
“The Supreme Court sent a clear message to local, state, and federal governments that this individual right cannot be unreasonably infringed.”
Gov. Rick Perry said the ruling affirms what Texans have long held as a fundamental right.
“Affirmation from our country’s highest court should unquestionably cement this right for future generations of Texans and Americans,” he said.
Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said the decision should end any legal threat to the state’s concealed-carry and Castle doctrine laws.
"Today's decision marks a victory for gun owners in Texas and across the nation,” he said.
“The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed what Texans have known for years--the Constitution clearly protects individuals' right to keep and bear arms.”
Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson called it “a great day for every American.”
“This decision affirms an inviolate right our Founding Fathers were wise enough to recognize in our Bill of Rights. The Second Amendment protects all other rights enumerated in our Constitution, so this decision strengthens the very Republic itself,” he said.
Wayne LaPierre of the National Rifle Association called the decision "the opening salvo in a step-by-step process."
He said the NRA will now file lawsuits in San Francisco, Chicago and several of its suburbs challenging handgun restrictions there based on the decision.
Other Reaction
(Source: Associated Press)
Dick Heller, who sued the District of Columbia after it rejected his application to keep a handgun at his home for protection
"I'm thrilled I am now able to defend myself and my household in my home."
Washington Mayor Adrian Fenty
"More handguns in the District of Columbia will only lead to ore handgun violence."
White House Press Secretary Dana Perino
"The president strongly agrees with the Supreme Court's historic decision today that the Second Amendment protects the individual right of Americans to keep and bear arms. This has been he Administration's long-held view. The President is also pleased hat the Court concluded that the DC firearm laws violate that right."
Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill.
"While it ruled that the D.C. gun ban went too far, Justice Scalia himself acknowledged that this right is not absolute and subject to reasonable regulations enacted by local communities to keep their streets safe. Today's ruling ... will provide much-needed guidance to local jurisdictions across the country."
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt.
"This opinion should usher in a new era in which the constitutionality of government regulations of firearms are reviewed against the backdrop of this important right."
Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.
"The right to bear arms is a fundamental right we enjoy as citizens of the United States. From individuals being able to protect their family and their home to sportsmen venturing into the outdoors, this is an important and historic day for all citizens of this great country."
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah
"Let's be honest about it. This is an actual, enumerated right in the Constitution."
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J.
"Today, President Bush's radical Supreme Court justices put rigid ideology ahead of the safety of communities in New Jersey and across the country. This decision illustrates why I have strongly
opposed extremist judicial nominees and will continue to do so in the future."
House Minority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio
"In the most significant victory for the Second Amendment in recent memory, the Supreme Court today reaffirmed our citizens' constitutional right to keep and bear arms. ... This decision should send a clear message to opponents of the Second Amendment. The Constitution plainly guarantees the solemn right to keep and bear arms, and the whims of politically correct bureaucrats cannot take it away."
Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Texas.
"The Supreme Court's decision underscores our country's commitment to protecting the fundamental rights on which America was founded. Today, America has reaffirmed its promise to the right to bear arms."
Rep. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.
"While this is a clear victory for those who live in Washington, D.C., it's my hope what was decided here today projects a powerful new precedent for judges to follow across the country."
Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, R-Ga.
"As someone who works in Washington during the week, I'm relieved that I can now defend myself in my own apartment without fearing a knock on the door from the local police,"
Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Wis.
"Today, the Supreme Court upheld Americans' Second Amendment rights and I applaud the court's decision. I strongly support every citizen's right to keep and bear arms."
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