In a recent decision, a federal appeals court in Maryland upheld a county law that requires gun dealers to distribute information about suicide prevention, conflict resolution, and mental health resources. The ruling by the three-judge panel of the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, supports the Anne Arundel County law approved in 2022. This decision comes after a federal judge ruled in favor of the county, and the gun rights group Maryland Shall Issue and four gun store owners appealed on First Amendment grounds.
The county law mandates gun dealers to provide pamphlets that serve as health and safety advisories, informing purchasers about the nature, causes, and risks of suicides, as well as the role that guns play in them. The court clarified that these pamphlets do not discourage firearm purchases but rather emphasize the importance of safe storage and preventing misuse and child access. The judges highlighted that the pamphlets are akin to widely accepted safety warnings for gun owners.
Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman welcomed the ruling, stating that it is a crucial step in reducing gun deaths and saving lives. The decision aligns with the county’s efforts to address gun violence following the tragic mass shooting at the Capital Gazette newsroom in 2018. Pittman established a task force, which recommended collaborating with gun sellers, gun safety advocacy organizations, and agencies working to prevent domestic violence and suicide.
The 2022 measure passed by the Anne Arundel County Council directs the county’s health department to distribute literature on gun safety, gun training, suicide prevention, mental health, and conflict resolution to stores selling firearms and ammunition. It also requires the stores to display and provide these pamphlets with every gun and ammunition purchase. The literature includes a joint pamphlet authored by the National Shooting Sports Foundation and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, as well as a one-page insert with local resources for suicide and conflict prevention.
Mark Pennak, president of Maryland Shall Issue, expressed disagreement with the ruling, arguing that it compels speech at commercial establishments. Pennak asserted that this goes against Supreme Court precedent and could lead to unconstitutional actions by governments. He is considering appealing to either the full 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals or the U.S. Supreme Court.
The court’s decision to uphold the Maryland law has sparked debate surrounding the balance between gun rights and public safety. Supporters argue that providing information on suicide prevention and mental health resources is crucial for reducing gun-related deaths, while opponents view it as an infringement on First Amendment rights. As this case may have broader implications, it will be interesting to see if further legal challenges arise and whether the Supreme Court will weigh in on the matter.
Overall, the ruling highlights the ongoing discussions and actions taken by local governments to address gun violence and promote public safety. By requiring gun dealers to provide information on suicide prevention, conflict resolution, and mental health resources, Anne Arundel County aims to create a more informed and responsible gun-owning community.
