Reis Applauds DC Gun Ban Reversal - Looks forward to its impact on Illinois laws
June 26, 2008
Olney, IL.…As the representative of a large rural portion of Southeastern Illinois, State Representative David Reis (R-Ste. Marie) today joined with those applauding the U.S. Supreme Courts much anticipated decision to overturn the Washington D.C. gun ban.
“We have felt all along that people have the right to bear arms to protect their families and their homes in the case of intrusion” said Reis. “And when we make our case in Springfield the proponents of stronger gun control measures don’t realize that is really a constitutional issue nor do they care. Today’s decision proves that we were right.”
The decision strikes down a thirty-two year old District of Columbia ban on the possession of handguns in all places include residents’ private homes. It is believed that if the constitutional principles set forth in this decision are applied to similar bans in Illinois municipalities, such as Chicago and Morton Grove, these Illinois municipal bans are also illegal.
In suburban Wilmette, a gun control ordinance drew national scrutiny in 2004 when the village fined resident Hale DeMar $750 after he shot and wounded a man who had broken into his home and was trying to steal a flat-screen monitor.
State lawmakers, reacted to the Wilmette families turn of events by passing a measure stipulating that someone who shoots an intruder cannot be convicted of violating a local handgun ban. The measure became law in 2004 after legislators overrode Governor Blagojevich's veto.
According to Reis the state legislature did the right thing by protecting that families rights. Our constitution has been very clear since the beginning of our country that the right to bear arms should not be infringed upon.
“This decision has been a long time coming,” Reis said “and certainly while we applaud the Supreme Courts decision we also look forward to taking this decision and making it a way of life for law abiding gun owners here in Illinois.
