The Supreme Court rejects challenge to New York’s ban on guns in certain areas

NEW YORK – The U.S. Supreme Court has chosen not to hear a case challenging gun laws in New York that prohibit firearms from specific “sensitive” areas and mandate that handgun owners demonstrate “good moral character.”

The high court did not give an explanation on why it chose not to hear the case.

The decision leaves in place an appeals court ruling that upheld provisions of the law while also striking down some elements.

In the previous decision, the appeals court permitted New York to keep enforcing components of the legislation that bar guns from designated sensitive spots like public transport, hospitals, and schools, and necessitate that handgun owners confirm their “good moral character.”

However, the court did strike down a rule that mandated handgun license applicants to disclose their social media profiles. Additionally, it ruled that the state cannot implement a section of the law that criminalizes carrying a concealed firearm onto private property without the explicit permission of the property owner.

Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul applauded the high court’s decision not to hear a challenge to the law on Monday, saying that “New York’s strong gun safety laws save lives.”

The Supreme Court in 2022 struck down New York’s old gun rules, which restricted guns being carried outside the home to people who could show they had a special need for protection.

New York lawmakers responded by crafting new rules that opened the door to more people getting handgun licenses while also setting up new restrictions on where guns could be carried.

Erich Pratt, senior vice president of the Gun Owners of America, a lobbying organization involved in the litigation, said “While we are disappointed by the Supreme Court’s decision not to take this case, we will never stop fighting to defend the rights of gun owners across the country.”