With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to render a potential landmark ruling on its first Second Amendment case that deals specifically with firearms in more than a decade, NRA Institute for Legislative Action (ILA) Executive Director Jason Ouimet spoke with Grant Stinchfield on Newsmax about the incredible importance of this case.
The case at hand, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association (NYSRPA) v. Bruen, will be heard on Nov. 3. It deals with a challenge to New York’s onerous restrictions on carrying a firearm for self-defense when outside the home.
When asked just how big the case is, Ouimet said, “Without this, honestly, the Second Amendment might as well be rendered obsolete. This is enormous. Over a decade ago, the Court heard the [District of Columbia v.] Heller decision, right, and said that you had the fundamental individual right to own a firearm in your home for self-defense. This is going to go beyond that. This is going to say whether or not that right ceases at your front door or it’s allowed to exist beyond that.”
He added, “That’s at the very core of the Second Amendment. Shall not be infringed, the right to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed . … That’s the impact that this is going to have.”
Stinchfield made note of how the NRA has worked tirelessly to help enact constitutional carry legislation throughout the country, most recently in Texas. Constitutional Carry, also known as “permitless carry,” operates in stark contrast to New York’s “may-issue” system, which requires people to ask the government permission to exercise their Second Amendment rights. The state thereby treats this right as a legal privilege it can deny or bestow on those they choose.
“We will continue to advance every bit of constitutional carry where we can. We began the year at 16 states having it. We have 21 states that have it now. We’re going to keep on marching,” said Ouimet in response.
NYSRPA v. Bruen could become the first case in which the high court renders a significant ruling involving firearms since 2010, when it affirmed in McDonald v. Chicago that the Second Amendment is a fundamental right that also restricts state and local governments from infringing on this right.
We’ll keep you updated here at A1F.com about how this case develops moving forward.
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