Government of the District
of Columbia
Executive Office of the Mayor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 9, 2007 |
CONTACT: Mafara Hobson
202.727.2320 (office)
202.744-4549 (mobile) |
Fenty Administration Decries Weakening of
DC Handgun Law
Mayor Adrian M. Fenty
Vows to Contest U.S. Court of Appeals Decision
Today District of Columbia Mayor Adrian M. Fenty committed to fighting
the U.S. Court of Appeals, in Parker
v. District of Columbia, which weakens the District’s gun
law, by allowing people to have handguns in their homes. The 2-1
decision marks the first time in U.S. history that the Federal Appeals
court has struck down a portion of a gun law on Second Amendment grounds.
Mayor Fenty said, “I am strongly opposed to the Court’s decision. District
residents deserve every protection afforded to them under District law. I
will instruct my Attorney General and the Solicitor General to explore
every legal option that will uphold the City’s gun ban.”
While the City moves to petition the full Court of Appeals for
rehearing, the District’s handgun law will remain in effect and will
continue to be enforced by District authorities.
If unchanged, the ruling will allow
residents to possess handguns in their homes. Currently, District
law prohibits the registration of virtually all handguns. In 1976 District
of Columbia lawmakers banned residents from owning handguns.
Under current District Law, people are generally barred from having
handguns in their homes. The District of Columbia law will remain in
effect at least until April 9, while the city contemplates its option of
seeking rehearing. The District could possibly appeal to the Supreme
Court. |