Legal Challenge Converges First And Second Amendments

posted on July 22, 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. **

The Tracy Rifle and Pistol shop in Tracy, Calif., features large vinyl decals of an AR-15 rifle and a .45-caliber in its windows. That’s not surprising by itself. What is surprising is that one of those images is considered illegal, thanks to a 92-year-old state law that prohibits gun stores from advertising handguns. 

When owner Michael Baryla was issued a citation and ordered to remove the photos, he responded by filing a lawsuit against Attorney General Kamala Harris. “What the attorney general is really saying, without expressly saying it, is that the right to free speech is OK except when it’s about guns, because guns are bad,” said Bradley Benbrook, Baryla’s attorney.

While the case winds its way through the legal system, Baryla promises creative solutions if forced to remove the images. Meanwhile, it’s likely that California legislators will continue to enforce antiquated laws that restrict First and Second Amendment rights.  

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.