Judge sustains lawsuit opposing deceptive City Hall carry ban in Flint, Michigan.
Officials in Flint, Michigan attempted to establish a gun-free zone at City Hall by inviting the local court system to open a satellite office there. This move resulted in a lawsuit from Second Amendment advocates, and a judge recently ruled that the lawsuit can proceed, rejecting the city’s request to dismiss the case.
In an effort to circumvent Michigan law allowing concealed carry in city council chambers but not in courthouses, Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley allocated space for the Genesee District Court in City Hall. However, activists sued and obtained temporary relief when a judge issued a restraining order, forcing the city to remove “No Guns Allowed” signs and metal detectors, allowing concealed carry in council chambers.
The city then sought to end the restraining order and dismiss the lawsuit, but this request was denied by the judge. The judge’s order stated that there is no federal or state law explicitly granting the city the right to regulate the possession of firearms in connection with public meetings.
The ongoing lawsuit also seeks a permanent injunction against the council, preventing them from excluding individuals based on their possession of firearms during open meetings subject to the Open Meetings Act.
While this dispute may seem minor compared to broader battles over gun legislation in other states, it highlights the importance of upholding citizens’ Second Amendment rights. Despite larger issues facing Flint, such as a lawsuit over tainted water and concerns about violent crime, officials are now contending with the consequences of attempting to restrict lawful citizens from exercising their right to bear arms during open meetings. Judge Pickell’s decision to let the lawsuit proceed suggests that the plaintiffs may have favorable odds.
