For Immediate Release
Friday, August 11, 2023
Media Contact:
André Ory
[email protected]
G-PAC RESPONSE TO ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING BAN ON ASSAULT WEAPONS AND LARGE CAPACITY MAGAZINES
CHICAGO — Today, the Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC) released the following statement from John Schmidt, a former U.S. Associate Attorney General and member of the Executive Board of G-PAC, in support of the Illinois Supreme Court decision to uphold the state’s ban on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines.
“The Illinois Supreme Court decision today upholding the Illinois ban on assault weapons and large capacity magazines is good news for the safety of Illinois families.
Under the Court’s decision we will continue to be protected by the ban on sale of these devices in Illinois. They are not needed for self-defense or other lawful purposes. They are weapons of choice for mass killers and for gangs and others who want to maximize force for illegal purposes. They do not belong in our state.
The Court rightly rejected the argument that the exemption from the ban for trained military and law enforcement personnel violates “equal protection” under the Illinois Constitution. It also correctly found to be reasonable the provision that allows weapons purchased prior to the ban to be retained by the owners.
The separate federal court cases raising federal constitutional issues have been argued in the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals and we look forward to a decision shortly.
The ban remains fully in effect. G-PAC and others who worked to pass the new law welcome the continued positive court results on its legality.”
About Gun Violence Prevention PAC (G-PAC)
The Gun Violence Prevention Political Action Committee (G-PAC) is the state’s leading gun violence advocacy organization. It was founded in 2013 to counter the political influence of the gun industry and their lobby in Springfield.