The Patriot Post® · DC Approves Concealed Carry Legislation

Grim-faced council members of the District of Columbia approved initial legislation “legalizing” (the Constitution already recognizes the right to “bear” arms) the carrying of concealed firearms, ending a more than three-decade-old ban on the practice. The Washington Times reports the bill is good “for 90 days, at which time permanent legislation is expected to be signed into law by Mayor Vincent Gray.” District leaders made it as difficult as possible to obtain a permit, which assuredly means additional lawsuits are forthcoming. Attorney Alan Gura explains, “The court instructed the city to treat the carrying of handguns as a right rooted in the constitutional interest in self-defense. It’s not much progress to move from a system where licenses are not available to a system where licenses are only available if the city feels like issuing them. It’s something of a joke.” Council member Marion Barry decried the vote, saying, “I don’t believe in guns. I don’t believe in carrying guns. I think the public ought to understand that all of us here are doing something we really don’t want to do.” Frankly, what zealots “want to do” isn’t the issue. More…