The Second Amendment Foundation, along with several other gun rights organizations, filed a challenge to Maryland concealed carry regulations. The challenge seeks to overturn a ban against concealed carry by average state citizens. The lawsuit alleges Maryland denies private residents the right to carry through restrictive policy.

SAF Challenges Maryland Concealed Carry Prohibition

The Firearms Policy Coalition, Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, Maryland Shall Issue, Inc., and three private citizens joined SAF in the fight. Named defendants include State Police Secretary Woodrow Jones III and Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh. The case goes by Call, et.al v. Jones et. al.

Maryland currently requires applicants provide documented evidence of concrete threats or recent assault to obtain a carry permit. Dubbed “Good and substantial reason,” the lawsuit asserts the policy denies citizens their right to carry.

“Anti-gun Maryland officials have been using this dodge for years,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “By setting this arbitrary standard, state bureaucrats have been routinely denying Maryland citizens their right to bear arms. The state cannot be allowed to continue this discriminatory practice because it essentially gives public officials the power to deny someone’s fundamental, constitutionally-protected rights on a whim.”

In practice, Maryland grants the right to carry to only a fraction of citizens. The procedure amounts to an unconstitutional regulatory scheme. Arbitrary, “good and substantial reason” serves as code for denial of rights. The policy discourages many residents to never apply at all. Gun owners must fight to end these regulatory policies. For more information, visit saf.org.