(The Center Square) – Illinois gun owners are highlighting cases they’ve brought in the court against current Illinois laws and legislation they say would continue to take away their rights.
Wednesday was Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day in Springfield, where several hundred gun owners took to a convention center to hear from Illinois State Rifle Association’s Richard Pearson. He said the state’s gun ban challenge continues in the appeals court.
“Doesn’t matter who wins, doesn’t matter who loses. Whoever wins will be happy. Whoever loses will appeal it to the [United States] Supreme Court,” Pearson told those gathered.
There are other lawsuits pending against various other Illinois laws.
ISRA’s Ed Sullivan said they are lobbying against other pending legislation, including Senate Bill 8 to require safe gun storage. He said it’s unconstitutional.
“It doesn’t stop the … anti-gun legislators, they’re just going to move forward with this potentially,” Sullivan said. “It passed the Senate and is now in the House. It’s been delayed.”
Sullivan said legislators know they face a lawsuit if the measure is approved.
After hearing from other speakers, several hundred gun owners marched through the streets to the Illinois State Capitol Building. There, they heard from state Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills.
“On this issue guys, I am pro-life and pro-choice,” McLaughlin said. “I want every woman to protect their lives choosing whatever caliber of weapon that they deem does that the best.”
State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, had suggested answers to anyone being asked about how many firearms are in their home.
“The answer? ‘Nunya. Nunya,’ right? ‘Which firearms do I own? Nunya, right,” she said. “Where do I keep the firearms that I own? Nunya.’”
Illinois has among the most strict firearms laws in the nation, including requiring a Firearm Owner’s ID card and a ban on more than 170 semi-automatic firearms. Both laws are being challenged in the courts.
Legislators are scheduled to adjourn spring session May 31.
