New Memo Details Alarming 2019 Dissent in Which Judge Barrett Opposed Laws Barring Gun Possession by People With Felony Convictions
Everytown Experts are Available for Interviews at [email protected]
NEW YORK — Everytown for Gun Safety and its grassroots networks, Moms Demand Action and Students Demand Action, today released the following statement on President Donald Trump’s decision to nominate Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court. The groups also released a new memo detailing Judge Barrett’s extreme positions on the Second Amendment, and a memo explaining how this Supreme Court confirmation could impact gun safety in America.
“Make no mistake: Amy Coney Barrett is a gun rights extremist who has no place on the Supreme Court, and we unequivocally oppose her confirmation,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Senate Republicans’ hypocritical attempt to jam her through has everything to do with appeasing special interests like the gun lobby, and Everytown will work like never before to vote them out this November.”
“Amy Coney Barrett’s alarming interpretation of the Second Amendment would make her an ideal Supreme Court Justice for the NRA, but a terrible one for the safety of the American people,” said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. “Giving her a lifetime appointment on the Supreme Court will make us all less safe, and our grassroots army of nearly 6 million supporters is going to fight like hell to stop that from happening.”
In a 2019 dissent, which is highlighted in Everytown’s memo, Judge Barrett wrote that people convicted of serious felonies should be allowed to possess guns and endorsed a dangerous and largely historical approach to Second Amendment analysis –– similar to one used by Justice Kavanaugh and other opponents of strong gun safety laws –– that could put many important gun laws at risk. These beliefs are a clear warning sign that if confirmed, she will likely side with gun lobby extremists and reject reasonable gun safety measures.
The life-saving gun laws that could be at risk if Judge Barrett is confirmed include background checks on all gun sales, which is supported by 94% of American voters and 90% of gun owners, and red flag laws, which are supported by similar majorities of Americans. Earlier this week, Everytown released a memo detailing how the Supreme Court could soon consider:
- The standard of review in Second Amendment cases, which could put almost every gun law at risk
- Laws regulating the carrying of guns in public
- Prohibitions on assault weapons and large-capacity magazines
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