Tennessee court ruling means changes for gun owners

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A new ruling could bring changes for gun owners in Tennessee.

On Friday, Aug. 22, a panel of three judges in Gibson County Chancery Court declared two Tennessee gun laws unconstitutional.

“I’m excited for what this means for the citizens of Tennessee,” Tennessee State Rep. Chris Todd (R-Jackson) said.

The first law now considered unconstitutional is the parks statute, which bans people from carrying a gun in public parks. The second law makes it illegal to carry a gun with the “intent to go armed.”

“That statute being struck down means that an officer no longer has the lawful authority to stop someone if they see them on their own property or out in public possessing a firearm because it’s simply not a crime,” Tennessee Firearms Association Executive Director John Harris explained.

Pro-gun advocates felt the two laws violated the 2nd Amendment, and believe this is a win for gun owners in Tennessee.

“If the court’s ruling stands, we end up with true constitutional carry, which only a handful of other states have,” Harris said.

According to Harris, who is also an attorney, the state has 30 days to appeal the court ruling. In the meantime, some Democrats have expressed concern about opening the door to people having guns in places like the greenways and parks.

“Sometimes parents have disagreements, tempers flare, and the last thing you want is firearms being brandished or entering into the equation or creating even a threat of harm,” State Rep. John Ray Clemmons (D-Nashville) said.

A threat of harm, which is a notion Republicans don’t agree with.

“Everyone seems to be overjoyed by this,” Todd said.

It is unclear if the state will appeal the ruling.