On Friday, a federal judge upheld Oregon’s controversial gun control law, Measure 114, ruling it constitutional. The law, which was narrowly approved by voters in the 2022 midterms, introduces several restrictions on firearms, including “permit-to-purchase” requirements. U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut stated that the law aligns with the nation’s history of regulating dangerous aspects of firearms to protect public safety. She argued that large-capacity gun magazines are not commonly used for self-defense and therefore not protected by the Second Amendment.
Measure 114 mandates that individuals obtain a permit, undergo safety training, and provide fingerprints through law enforcement channels to purchase a firearm. The law also bans the sale, transfer, or import of gun magazines with a capacity exceeding 10 rounds. While owning a gun without a permit remains legal, the law imposes a permit requirement for purchases. Gun sales in Oregon surged before the law was enacted, prompting pro-Second Amendment groups and individuals to file a lawsuit to block its implementation. A temporary hold on the law was granted shortly after the midterm elections.
Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan expressed concerns about the law’s constitutionality, stating that she couldn’t enforce a magazine capacity limit when its legality was in question. She highlighted statistics indicating that most crimes involving firearms are committed with illegally obtained weapons. Sheriff Duncan argued that Measure 114 is a poorly written law that needs further clarification regarding the permitting process and training requirements. She emphasized the importance of ensuring that any actions taken do not impede the rights of gun owners to purchase firearms.
Conservatives critical of Measure 114 argue that it infringes on Second Amendment rights and imposes unnecessary burdens on law-abiding citizens. They contend that the law fails to address the root causes of gun violence and instead penalizes responsible gun owners. The ruling by Judge Immergut has disappointed gun rights advocates who believe that the law will not effectively enhance public safety and that it may face further legal challenges. The debate over gun control measures continues to be a contentious issue, with conservatives advocating for the protection of individual rights and highlighting the importance of responsible gun ownership in preserving personal freedoms.
