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GOA, GOF Secure Preliminary Injunction Against California Ban on Carry in “Sensitive Places”

Written by Walter Smoloski Published: 21 December 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 21, 2023

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday evening, a coalition** of gun rights groups, including Gun Owners of America (GOA) and the Gun Owners Foundation (GOF), secured a preliminary injunction against California’s ban on carrying in “sensitive places.” This ban was passed by the legislature and Governor Newsom in direct defiance of the 2022 Bruen decision by the nation’s high court.

Judge Cormac Carney re-affirmed this argument in his ruling, stating that California’s law is: “sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court.”

Californians will now be able to carry in numerous common locations that were barred under this unconstitutional law, including:

  • Houses of worship;
  • Playgrounds and parks;
  • Financial institutions;
  • Private businesses open to the public;
  • Public libraries, zoos, and museums;
  • Public gatherings and special events;
  • Public transportation;
  • Casinos, stadiums, and amusement parks;
  • And medical facilities.

Erich Pratt, GOA’s Senior Vice President, issued the following statement: 

“This is great news for Californians. Judge Carney rightfully highlighted that residents want the ability to defend themselves in these increasingly dangerous times. But we can only expect this will serve as fuel for Governor Newsom’s movement to amend the Constitution and gut the Second Amendment, and GOA is fully prepared to push back without hesitation.”  

Sam Paredes, on behalf of the board for GOF and in his role as the Executive Director of Gun Owners of California, added:    

“Anti-gun legislatures across the country have insubordinately attacked law-abiding gun owners since the Bruen decision by passing sweeping laws that restrict their ability to carry practically anywhere. As we’ve been warning politicians all along, fall in line, or we will make you.”     

GOA spokesmen are 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 and GOF joined Gun Owners of California, the California Rifle & Pistol Association, and the Second Amendment Foundation in this suit along with various, individual plaintiffs.

-GOA-