Nov. 13, 2009
The People Win
Ohio Appellate Court Rules Ohio Cities Can Regulate Firearms!
Toledo, OH: On Nov. 12th the Eighth District Appellate Court of Ohio released their ruling deciding that Ohio's firearms preemption statute, R.C. 9.68, is unconstitutional.
The court concluded that R.C.9.68 did not meet the criteria to be a general law and could not preempt local law by taking away cities powers.
The law took effect March 14, 2007 and preempted local regulation of firearms in Ohio saying only state and federal laws could regulate firearms.
The law said it was providing 'uniform' laws but the state of Ohio has few laws regulating firearms except on carrying concealed weapons.
Over 20 Ohio municipalities had enacted more than 80 ordinances for the safety of their communities such as waiting periods, banning military-style weapons and junk guns, requiring licenses for handgun purchasers, child access prevention and many others.
The City of Cleveland filed the challenge to the statute. The Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence with the Legal Community Against Violence, eight Ohio cities, and four national gun violence prevention groups submitted an amicus brief in support of the city.
Toby Hoover, executive director of the Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence said "We are very glad to have the court confirm the rights of citizens to govern themselves. Cities can now continue their efforts to make the safety of their families more important than the profits and control of the gun lobby. "
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The Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence works to reduce gun violence






