A federal lawsuit has been filed by the NRA and other gun rights advocates challenging Massachusetts's recent gun laws that prohibit individuals under 21 from possessing or carrying handguns and semiautomatic firearms. The coalition argues that these age restrictions infringe upon Second Amendment rights, as 18-20-year-olds are deemed part of the public entitled to keep and bear arms. This legal action follows the signing of a gun control bill by Governor Maura Healey aimed at addressing issues related to ghost guns and strengthening the state’s red flag law.
"Massachusetts's new gun control law is one of the most severe attacks on the right to keep and bear arms in our nation's history," said NRA Institute for Legislative Action Executive Director John Commerford in a statement.
The complaint argues that because 18-20-year-olds are among "the people" protected by the Second Amendment, Massachusetts's prohibition on the possession and carry of handguns and semiautomatic weapons by adults under 21 violates the Constitution.
Adults under 21 are eligible for a firearm identification card. However, according to the complaint, the card does not permit holders to purchase, possess, or transfer handguns or semiautomatic firearms.
One of the plaintiffs is Mack Escher of Brewster, a Massachusetts Maritime Academy student who falls into the 18-20-year-old range. He enjoys hunting for recreation and wants to own and carry a firearm to defend himself.
Collection
[
|
...
]