You Can Keep Packing Heat In Seattle Parks, Supreme Court Overrules Gun Ban

Two Seattle mayors have now tried to ban guns from public parks and community centers. But this week the Second Amendment Foundation, National Rifle Association, and five permitted gun owners who sued the city were vindicated in Washington State's Supreme Court.

The impetus for the guns-in-parks ban was the 2008 Folklife Festival shooting, in which two attendees were shot and injured. Shortly after, then Mayor Greg Nickels said that the reason for the order was simple: "Our parks, our community centers and our public events are safer without guns."

But that argument, not surprisingly, wasn't enough for the State's highest court to uphold Seattle's ban. Two lower courts had already blocked the law from taking effect. Yesterday the Supremes refused to listen to city's appeal. That means guns are still a go in city parks and community centers, so long as you're registered and licensed.

The second amendment allows states to regulate how guns are legally carried. The lower courts argued that current state law should trump any attempt by a local municipal to restrict gun carrying rights outside city-owned buildings.

Current Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn has also supported the gun ban. He responded in a blog post yesterday afternoon, saying:

The blocked gun ban will now move out of the courts and into the legislature.

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You Can Keep Packing Heat In Seattle Parks, Supreme Court Overrules Gun Ban