BOHEMIA,
N.Y., June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The
Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), an advocacy
organization representing two million active dues-paying members
nationwide, is beyond proud to announce that we have recently filed
an amicus brief with the United
States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit on Case Number
24-1039, Fouts, et al. v. Bonta, urging the Ninth Circuit to
consider the legal and constitutional ramifications of California's sweeping Cal. Penal Code § 22210,
commonly referred to as the "Billy Ban."
AMAC has joined as amicus curiae in support of the
plaintiffs-appellees in the case, Fouts, et al. v. Bonta for a
number of reasons, the first and foremost being that the interests
of older American citizens could be negatively and directly
affected by California's law, Cal.
Penal Code § 22210. This law, which has been on the books for
decades, essentially criminalizes the possession of "any instrument
or weapon of the kind commonly known as a billy." At the core of
our concerns, is that as written, Cal. Penal Code § 22210 is overly
broad, with too much latitude and openness for arbitrary
enforcement, a situation that could unfairly penalize American
citizens simply living their lives.
Most concerningly, under the law, California's "Billy Ban" could be used to
charge Americans using everyday implements – including older
Americans using canes or walking sticks – with a felony if those
implements are considered to be a "billy club" by the State. Given
the overly broad nature of Cal. Penal Code § 22210, and the
potential for ordinary Americans to be erroneously and unfairly
punished under the statute, AMAC firmly believed that we needed to
add our voice to those persuasively arguing that this law should be
reexamined by the federal judiciary.
It is important to note that while AMAC is proud to support the
plaintiffs-appellees with our brief, it is always unfortunate when
the liberties of American citizens – which are protected and
codified by our Constitution – are threatened by clumsy and
problematic laws such as California's "Billy Ban." AMAC acknowledges
that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance, and as such, we
citizens are obligated to ensure that our liberties are preserved
through continued alertness, diligence, understanding, and
action.
Moreover, we are disappointed that even in the wake of several
high-profile and soundly-reasoned decisions from the U.S. Supreme
Court, such as Heller (2008), McDonald (2010), and
Bruen (2022), activist anti-2nd amendment
governors, legislators and city councils continue to ignore the
Supreme Court and pass flagrantly unconstitutional laws and
regulations in brazen defiance of the high court's expertise and
authority.
"The United States Supreme Court has already provided clear
guidance on how to approach and decide Second Amendment cases, and
by extension, arms ban cases such as Fouts v. Bonta. Of course, the
predictable reaction from anti-gun politicians like Governors
Gavin Newsom and Kathy Hochul in the wake of the Supreme Court's
rulings – and more alarmingly, by activist judges in the lower
courts – has been to manipulate and pervert the Supreme Court's
guidance, prioritizing political ends over the rule of law. The
Second Amendment exists precisely to protect the American people
from this overreaching behavior," stated David Weber, AMAC's Chief Operating Officer.
For AMAC, the language of the U.S. Constitution is plain and
clear – self-defense is a fundamental natural right, not to be
infringed – and recent rulings from the U.S. Supreme Court only
further reinforce the importance and true meaning of the Second
Amendment.
"The anti-gun lobby knows they cannot win on merit because they
stand fundamentally opposed to the Constitution, they ignore
history, and because the reality of self-empowering gun ownership
and self-defense in America is one that conflicts starkly with
their erroneous worldview. As a result, they operate outside the
bounds of law and reason, using fear and manipulation to further
their cause. We must remain engaged and unwavering in our defense
of our constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment. It is
not a second-class right and it is for these wider reasons that
AMAC felt compelled to join the plaintiff-appellees with our
brief," Weber continued.
As this case makes its way through the federal judiciary, AMAC
looks forward to seeing proper resolution regarding the issues at
hand, with Cal. Penal Code § 22210 struck down to enhance the
rights of law-abiding citizens of California.
Media inquiries should be directed to David Weber, Chief Operating Officer, AMAC at:
379740@email4pr.com or 1-888-262-2006.
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SOURCE The Association of Mature American Citizens