CINCINNATI, Ohio, April 10 /PRNewswire/ - Ohioans for Concealed Carry (http://www.OhioCCW.org)
announced they were pleased with a unanimous ruling handed down Wednesday by
Ohio's First District Court of Appeals (Combined cases: C020012, C020013,
C020015 & C020021).
The non-profit organization is one of the successful plaintiffs in the
lawsuit, in Hamilton Common Pleas Court. Judge Robert Ruhlmamm declared an Ohio
gun control law in violation of the Ohio Constitution.
The Appeals court's unanimous decision in favor of the combined plaintiffs is
a victory for Ohioans and the Ohio Constitution. Law-abiding citizens carrying
firearms for self-defense is recognized as a basic civil right.
Continued enforcement of this unconstitutional law would result in the felony
prosecution and conviction of otherwise law abiding Ohioans statewide.
"This ruling only affects the law-abiding. Felons or other criminals
prohibited by other Ohio or Federal laws will still be prohibited from even
possessing a firearm, let alone carrying one." said Jeff Garvas, President
of OFCC.
The defendants have stated that they would appeal to the Ohio Supreme Court
in the past. Since they can not win on the basis of law or facts, they will now
shamelessly try to prolong the case by tying it up in The Ohio Supreme Court.
By appealing this ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court the State of Ohio has
nothing to win, and everything to lose. Today's ruling and all previous rulings
were effective only in Hamilton County, Ohio. By appealing this case to Ohio's
top court the defendants risk a statewide loss.
"It is our hope that the Ohio Supreme Court realizes the defendants
agenda in stalling the permanent injunction and refuses any attempts for yet
another emergency stay." said Garvas.
The trial court ruled that Ohio's existing prohibition on concealed carry
violates the Ohio Constitution on three counts: Equal Protection, Due Process,
and the right to bear arms for self-defense and security.
Forty-four states, including every state bordering Ohio, provide a legal
mechanism for citizens to carry a firearm for self-defense. To do so in Ohio
could result in a felony charge by law enforcement officers.
Governor Taft campaigned on the issue of making Ohio safer by enabling
potential victims to protect themselves. In the past four years of concealed
carry debate Governor Taft has opposed his own campaign promise.
In March the Ohio House passed a concealed carry reform bill by a stunning
two thirds majority, or six votes more than necessary to override a veto.
"The courts and the Ohio House are finally seeing the light. Governor
Taft should release the hold he has on Senate leadership and allow pending
concealed carry reform legislation to become law." said Garvas.
CONTACT: Jeff Garvas pr@ofcc.net
SOURCE: Ohioans For Concealed Carry
