Portland, Oregon – The Oregon Court of Appeals issued a unanimous ruling on Wednesday upholding a measure that will enact stricter regulations on the purchase of firearms and ammunition throughout the state. This decision reverses a previous ruling by an Eastern Oregon judge.
The court found that Ballot Measure 114, which bans the purchase of magazines holding more than 10 rounds of ammunition and requires a permit for firearm purchases, does not violate the state constitution. Despite the court’s approval, the initiative will not take immediate effect as opponents have pledged to appeal the decision.
Supporters of Measure 114 believe that the measure will enhance public safety by closing loopholes that allow for gun transfers without completed background checks. The law also mandates completing a gun safety course before obtaining a permit, a provision that aims to prevent firearm-related incidents.
Following the court’s decision, lead counsel Tony Aiello, Jr., expressed disappointment, stating that millions of Oregonians have become potential lawbreakers due to the measure’s restrictions on gun ownership. On the other hand, Jess Marks, executive director for the Alliance for a Safe Oregon, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that Measure 114 will ultimately save lives.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield praised the Court of Appeals’ decision as a significant step towards enhancing gun safety in the state. Rayfield emphasized that Measure 114 aligns with the voters’ will and introduces common-sense safety measures to prevent firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
The legality of Measure 114 was also challenged in federal court, where it was ruled permissible under the U.S. Constitution. The ruling, given by U.S. District Court Judge Karin Immergut, rejected claims that the measure’s permitting system violated the Second Amendment. Immergut’s decision is subject to potential appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.