GOA Files Complaint Over ATF’s Reversal which now Requires Additional Infringements on Gun Owners

March 11, 2020
For immediate release

GOA Files Complaint Over ATF’s Reversal which now Requires Additional Infringements on Michigan Gun Owners

Springfield, VA – Gun Owners of America (GOA) filed a complaint against the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) for its reversal of an agreement which protects gun buyers from the potential negative effects of gun owner registration. Previously, a Michigan’s Concealed Pistol License (CPL) would exempt gun owners from the National Instant Background Check System (NICS) whenever they purchased firearms from a federally firearms licensed dealer (FFL).

In two dozen states, permit holders are exempted from undergoing a NICS check to purchase a firearm. However, due to so-called “Public Safety Advisories” issued by the ATF in states like Michigan, Minnesota and Alabama, FFLs are now required to perform background checks on all gun purchasers.

“This is another unnecessary move by the ATF. Forcing background checks on individuals who have already been screened by the government is a poor use of time and resources, and always presents the danger of registering gun owners’ firearms purchases,” said Erich Pratt Senior Vice President of GOA. “Gun Owners of America believes the Second Amendment prevents Federal and state governments from implementing prior restraints upon the right to keep and bear arms. The ATF’s recent policy reversal in Michigan is clearly a step in the wrong direction.”

The complaint can be viewed here.

Erich Pratt, or another GOA spokesperson, is available for interviews. Gun Owners of America is a nonprofit grassroots lobbying organization dedicated to protecting the right to keep and bear arms without compromise. GOA represents over two million members and activists. For more information, visit GOA’s Press Center.

— GOA —