Giffords Law Center Condemns Ruling to Uphold Florida’s Preemption Law

Washington DC — Today, Giffords Law Center, the legal arm of the gun violence prevention organization led by former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, condemned the Florida Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the state’s preemption law. This law blocks localities from regulating firearms and fines lawmakers who try to pass regulations. Giffords Law Center filed an amicus brief in support of overturning this law. 

“Today’s misguided decision by the Florida Supreme Court is a resounding victory only for the corporate gun lobby, and a disappointing defeat in the fight to keep all Floridians safe from gun violence. Preemption laws usurp the traditional role of local governments in regulating firearms to protect public safety. Florida’s misguided, punitive preemption law uses the threat of civil penalties to prevent local legislators from fulfilling their duties to their constituents, even within the bounds of preemption. As gun violence continues to rise, we implore legislators to take action to save lives from this deadly epidemic, and courts to recognize that legislators must be empowered to pass laws that protect us all.”

“In 2021 more than 3,000 Floridians died from gun violence, a devastating toll for our communities. We are incredibly disappointed that extremist judges have blocked local lawmakers from taking action to address this horrific violence that is affecting our communities daily. Communities in Florida that want gun safety laws should be able to make those decisions. We remain determined to make Florida a safer place and will continue to work with localities to ensure the safety of our families and communities.”

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