The National Rifle Association Institute for Legislative Action (NRA-ILA) sued the state of Maryland on Tuesday after an unconstitutional bill was signed making carry illegal in so much of the state that a law-abiding individual cannot effectively carry for self-defense.
“Here are some sad facts: the mere mention of the word Baltimore invokes an immediate vision of a violent, unsafe city. That’s because of the woeful lack of prosecution of violent criminals in the state. It is vital for law-abiding Marylanders to have an effective means of defending themselves and their loved ones. Our laws should burden criminals and aid good, lawful people. It is evident that those in power in Maryland care more for criminals and less for the law-abiding,” said Randy Kozuch, executive director, NRA-ILA.
Until recently, Maryland laws were so restrictive that less than .19 percent of residents were approved for a permit to carry each year. After the Supreme Court affirmed that the individual right to carry a firearm outside the home for self-defense is protected under the Second Amendment, Maryland deceitfully responded by amending its laws concocting a scheme where law-abiding Marylanders will not be able legally carry anywhere in the state.
The new bill signed into law vastly expand the number of places where carry is prohibited — even for those who have carry permits. Now, it is illegal in Maryland to carry a firearm in state parks and forests, state highway rest areas, state transit facilities, public school properties, state public buildings, property controlled by the Maryland Racing Commission, the Camden Yards Sports Complex, a video lottery facility, a museum operated by the Department of Planning, any public demonstration — including in vehicles within 1,000 feet of the demonstration, areas for children and vulnerable individuals, health care facilities, public infrastructure, locations where alcohol or cannabis is sold for on-site consumption regardless if the individual is consuming those products, stadiums, museums, amusement parks, racetracks, and all private property unless the owner has expressly informed individuals that they are allowed to carry on the property.
D.J. Spiker, NRA-ILA Maryland state director, said, “Maryland previously had one of the most restrictive wear and carry permit schemes in the country. Now, in order to carry legally, Marylanders have to go through a process that’s somehow more burdensome, lengthy and expensive to get a permit, yet effectively doesn’t allow them to carry anywhere in the state. The NRA is suing because this is illegal under the U.S. Constitution, but it’s also important to note these laws defy common sense. You know who isn’t going to do all of this to get a permit? And who isn’t going to worry about where it’s legal to carry? Criminals. This law will only prevent law-abiding people from exercising their rights.”
The case is captioned Kipke v. Moore. It was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland. NRA’s state affiliate, the Maryland State Rifle and Pistol Association, is also a plaintiff to the case.