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Last week, we reported on our HUGE legal victory in the Volunteer State. A Tennessee court struck down the state’s unconstitutional “Going Armed” and “Parks” statutes in Hughes v. Lee, a major win for Constitutional Carry and the right to bear arms. However, we have a new problem; Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti has officially filed an appeal. His office claims that allowing the ruling to stand would create “unnecessary confusion and risk.” GOA stands firm in saying that there isn’t anything confusing or risky about it. The “Going Armed” statute was an outdated leftover from Tennessee’s 19th-century criminal code that effectively made it a crime to carry a firearm for self-defense, unless you fit within narrow exceptions later carved out by permit laws. The “Parks” statute banned otherwise lawful carry in local, state, and federal parks, turning ordinary citizens into criminals for exercising their rights in public places that should never have been off-limits. In short, these statutes treated the act of carrying as presumptively illegal under many circumstances, and conflicted significantly with Tennessee’s newer pro-2A permitless carry legislation. Dragging this case through the appellate courts for years will not only waste taxpayer dollars and delay justice for law-abiding Tennesseans, but it will also disregard Gun Owners of America’s and Gun Owners Foundation’s hard work as plaintiffs in the case. Now is the time to take action. Your immediate calls and emails will help send a clear message that Tennesseans do not want their rights tied up in endless litigation. The ruling should be accepted, and the unconstitutional statutes must remain struck down. Contact Attorney General Skrmetti today and urge him to drop the appeal. |
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A simple message is best: “Hello, my name is ____ and I am a Tennessean and a member of Gun Owners of America. I’m calling today to urge Attorney General Skrmetti to respect the court’s ruling in Hughes v. Lee and drop the appeal. The “Going Armed” and “Parks” statutes regulating our rights to carry a firearm have already been declared unconstitutional. It would be a waste of years and taxpayer money defending laws that violate the Second Amendment in our state.” If we keep up the pressure, we can ensure this victory stands and that Tennesseans do not have to endure years of delay in reclaiming their carry rights. Don’t wait; make your voice heard today. |
