The National Rifle Association (NRA) was recently granted unanimous backing by the Republican party in its lawsuit aimed at dismantling what the NRA has termed “unlawful” gun orders issued by some governors.
The lawsuit, filed on June 26, argues that states have now trespassed the balance allocated between federal and state authorities as established by the Constitution. It targets specific orders issued in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia and also Nevada. The orders came in the wake of a rise in gun violence and civil unrest that followed the death of George Floyd.
The orders have tightened gun possession laws in the respective states through various measures such as restrictions on the sale of so-called ‘assault weapons’ and limits on the use of guns and ammunition at private auctions or gun shows. According to the NRA, the orders breach the 2nd Amendment right to keep arms, the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause and the 10th Amendment’s protection of state’s rights.
One of the measures targeted by the NRA lawsuit is the 10-round limit for established magazines attached to firearms. The claim is that magazine capacities have no involvement when it comes to protection of others and should be left unregulated. NRA spokesperson Andrew Arulanandam argues that a law-abiding citizen’s right to possess the firearm of his or her choice should remain unrestricted.
The lawsuit is a fresh battle in the ongoing war between the NRA and state governments over gun control laws. This week, the NRA was able to get the backing of the entire GOP Senate for a bill that, if passed, would extend the veto of bills related to gun confiscation from the president to all state governments. Similarly, the NRA is expected to receive strong public support in its lawsuit regarding the state-level of gun control orders.
The lawsuit is yet to be taken up by any court. The opposition has already claimed that the orders are unconstitutional and has urged states to continue with the implementation of the regulations. While the outcome remains to be seen, it is clear that the NRA is making heavy moves to ensure it gets a grip on the situation and is doing all in its power to gain a favorable judgement in favor of gun rights.