FPC Files for Injunction Against New York “Places of Worship” Handgun Carry Ban

[Charlie T Waite]

BUFFALO, NY (October 14, 2022) – Firearms Policy Coalition (FPC) announced today that it has filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction in Hardaway v. Bruen, its lawsuit challenging New York’s law banning guns in “any place of worship or religious observation.” The motion can be viewed at FPCLegal.org.

“After Bruen, there is no doubt that the Second Amendment’s text ‘presumptively protects’ Plaintiffs’ intent to ‘carry[] handguns publicly for self-defense,’ including on the premises of places of worship and religious observation when those places would permit Plaintiffs to carry,” argues the motion. “And the only way the Place of Worship Ban can be found constitutional is if New York can demonstrate this outright ban is ‘consistent with this Nation’s historical tradition of firearm regulation’ with ‘relevantly similar’ restrictions with roots in the Founding. New York cannot meet its burden.”

“The peaceable people of New York, including those who congregate at houses of worship deserve nothing short of an immediate restoration of their rights,” said FPC Director of Legal Operations Bill Sack. “Today's Motion is an important step towards that end and we look forward to a prompt response from the Court.”

FPC is joined in this lawsuit by the Second Amendment Foundation.