Gun Show Ban Struck Down
In Maryland
|
"...Montgomery County has no power to regulate the
sale of firearms within the City of Gaithersburg..." |
|
|
-- U.S. District Court Judge Marvin J. Garbis |
|
Judge Garbis |
Last week, U.S.
District Court Judge Marvin J. Garbis struck down
an attempt by the Montgomery County (Md.) Council to abolish gun
shows held at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds Agricultural Center.
The Council passed a law strictly regulating where gun
shows could be held last May, capitulating to the demands of a
handful of anti-gun extremists.
However, the fairgrounds are
privately owned, and because it is located in the City of
Gaithersburg, the Council was prohibited by state law from
imposing a specific ban on gun shows held there. In an attempt
to circumvent this law, the Council added a provision that would
prohibit county funding for any group that allows gun shows.
Because the fairgrounds receives grants from the county, its
board was compelled to prohibit any future gun shows. Judge
Garbis held that, "Montgomery County has no power to regulate the
sale of firearms within the City of Gaithersburg," and that the
funding restriction passed by the council constituted "a gun sale
regulation enacted by Montgomery County in the guise of a
discretionary spending provision."
The intended target of the
Montgomery County Council was Silverado Promotions, run by gun
show promoter Frank Krasner. Silverado has held gun shows at the
fairgrounds for a decade. It was Krasner's suit, with assistance
from NRA, that led to last week's ruling. County officials have
indicated that they intend to appeal this ruling, and we can
expect anti-gun extremists to attempt to force the City of
Gaithersburg to enact its own ban. NRA will continue to monitor
this issue as it develops.
Related Stories...
Politicians Push to End Gun Shows at County Fairgrounds (The Gazette)
Using Purse Strings To Target Gun Shows (Shooting Times)
Gun Shows Under Fire (Michelle Malkin)
Suit Filed Against Gunshow Ban (Montgomery Citizens for a Safer Maryland)
|
