Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court refused to overturn an Illinois law banning the sale of some semiautomatic weapons by refusing an emergency stay by people challenging the law. No member of the Court publicly dissented.
The law, signed by Governor J.B. Pritzker, places a ban on the sale of a number of guns including the AR-15 and the sale of magazines for handguns with more than 15 rounds of ammunition and more than 10 rounds of ammunition for long guns. It was challenged by people who believe it violates the Constitution’s 2nd Amendment.
Governor Pritzker responded to the ruling with the following statement, “The gun lobby has insisted on every legal maneuver to block this law, refusing to acknowledge that lives will be saved by this important piece of legislation. Despite these challenges, I remain confident that the assault weapons ban will be upheld and will create a safer Illinois for our residents.”
The case will continue to work its way through the Courts and is expected to reach the full Supreme Court where a final decision will be made.
