Appeals court blocks sections of New York state's gun law

A federal appeals court has blocked three provisions of New York state's gun law also known as the Concealed Carry Improvement Act (CCIA). However, the future of the law, which was passed just over a week after the Supreme Court declared the previous regulation unconstitutional, will be decided in lower courts, where the case continues to be evaluated.

The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit determined that it will not be necessary for gun owners to disclose their social media accounts when applying for a concealed carry permit. It also decided that carrying weapons in places of worship or private properties accessible to the public cannot be restricted.

However, there are other provisions of the controversial legislation that will still be required. Among them, whoever requested a permit to carry weapons must show "good moral character" and have "proper cause," which is understood as a particular need for protection, different from that of the community in general. It will be illegal to carry guns in "sensitive locations," even for those with concealed carry licenses. These locations, determined by the state, include schools and voting centers.

A bittersweet decision

Both the promoters and opponents of the law reacted to the court's decision. Both sides promised that they would continue to defend their position in subsequent judicial proceedings.

"GOA is proud to have played a major role in rebuking her unconstitutional law," said Erich Pratt, vice president of the Gun Owners of America association. However, he acknowledged that the court decision was "not a total victory" and promised that they would continue working until "this entire law is sent to the bowels of history where it belongs."

Another member of the organization, Sam Paredes, pointed out where the GOA's effort could go: "We are weighing action at the nation’s High Court." "Frustratingly, much of this Court’s opinion reads like an insubordinate rebuke of the Supreme Court, which is a disgrace and cannot be allowed to stand."

"This commonsense law was enacted to keep guns out of dangerous hands and away from schools, hospitals, parks, public transportation, and other sensitive locations," state Attorney General Letitia James said after she learned the court's decision. "My office will continue to defend New York’s gun laws and use every tool to protect New Yorkers from senseless gun violence."

Read the full court ruling

United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit - NY Gun Law by Santiago Adolfo Ospital on Scribd