Dallas Zoo’s “Gun-Free Zone” Faces Legal Challenge

posted on November 11, 2015
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **

After getting the Houston Zoo to abandon its “No Guns” signs and policy, Texas gun-rights attorney T. Edwin Walker has filed a complaint with the Texas Attorney General’s Office to challenge a similar prohibition on the means of self-defense at the Dallas Zoo. 

With some exceptions, Texas law allows Right-to-Carry permit holders to bring firearms onto government land. Like the Houston Zoo, the Dallas Zoo is located on public land, but is operated by a private entity. After first writing to the Dallas Zoo to protest its firearm prohibition—as required by Texas law—and getting no results, Walker has appealed to the attorney general. 

The Dallas Zoo has argued that it qualifies for an exemption under the law that allows educational facilities and amusement parks to keep their “No Guns” policies. Walker’s response is that the zoo offers no courses, degrees or rides, and therefore does not qualify.

Latest

William A. Bachenberg
William A. Bachenberg

President’s Column | What a Year It Has Been!

Wow! How fast a year has gone by since being elected president at the end of April last year! My first column was titled “It’s A New Day At The NRA,” and included the following:

Standing Guard | We Are the Good Citizens

I am a big believer in transparency. Each individual needs privacy from unconstitutional government intrusion—this especially includes what guns a law-abiding American citizen might own—but an association of freedom-loving citizens must be transparent.

U.S. v. Hemani Arguments

On March 2, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in U.S. v. Hemani. The case involves a defendant who is fighting a federal indictment for possessing a firearm while being a marijuana user.

President’s Column | Getting You Up to Speed

A lot of things have occurred over the past month or so that not all members are completely aware of. I’ll use my column this month to update you on some important issues—transparency.

Standing Guard | The NRA Gathers to Celebrate Our Freedom

The momentum we’re seeing across the country is both encouraging and energizing. January opened with tremendous activity at the NRA booth during SHOT Show, where members, industry partners and supporters stopped by to connect, share ideas and reaffirm their commitment to freedom and the Second Amendment.

Port Authority Doubles Down on Constitution-Free Zone with High-Profile Arrest

As anyone who has passed a basic civics class knows, the U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the land. All legislation and official government actions are subject to its limits.

Interests



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.