New Gun Law In Effect Today

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Jul 12, 2010 6:00PM

Even though it's already facing legal challenges, the city's new gun law, passed in the wake of the Supreme Court's overturning of the city's handgun ban, goes into effect today. Among the new requirements, the new law forbids selling guns in the city, requires four hours of classroom training, forbids taking a gun outside the immediate confines of a home, and requires a gun to be disassembled if it's to be transported.

The new law, swiftly passed by the City Council only 24 hours after Mayor Daley handed it to them, is already facing a pair of legal challenges. A lawsuit was filed last week by a group of people, claiming the new law is still infringing upon their rights. Suburban gun dealer Joe Franzese has also field a lawsuit aimed at the ban of gun sales in the city. Franzese has designs on opening a "boutique" gun shop in Lincoln Park. Otis McDonald, the main plaintiff in the case the Supreme Court heard, told WBEZ, "It's more of a victimization of the law-abiding citizens. I'm wondering whether they're having - have any consideration for the law-abiding citizens. I gotta wonder what - what side are they on?"