Nodler supports Supreme Court handgun decision

Gary Nodler issed the following release moments ago:

Senator Gary Nodler, R-Joplin, today voiced his support for the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court affecting gun rights throughout the nation. The Supreme Court ruling, announced today, extends the federally protected right to keep and bear arms to all 50 states. Senator Nodler signed on to the amicus curiae, (friend of the court) brief filed in McDonald v. Chicago as a supporter of gun rights in all levels of government.


The case addressed the City of Chicago’s gun laws, which are some of the most restrictive in the country. The city was sued on the grounds that these local regulations violate the Second Amendment. Senator Nodler said this verdict by the court overturning Chicago’s ban on handguns upholds gun rights throughout the country.

“I am pleased that the court ruled in favor of Second Amendment rights, solidifying that no state or municipality can take away a citizen’s right to bear arms,” said Sen. Nodler. “This is a fundamental right that should not be infringed upon by any governing body.”

Two years ago, the Supreme Court struck down Washington, D.C.’s ban on handguns, but the ruling did not apply to cases outside of Washington D.C. McDonald v. Chicago sets precedent for laws throughout the nation.

In 2003, Sen. Nodler supported the Missouri Legislature’s passage of a concealed and carry law, giving Missourians the ability to obtain a right-to-carry license and carry concealed handguns.

“In Missouri, I am proud of the work we have accomplished to protect Missourians’ Second Amendment rights and ensure that citizens are able to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their homes,” said Sen. Nodler. “When I signed on to support this brief in 2009, my intentions were to uphold this legacy of protecting and supporting the rights of gun owners throughout the country.”

Nodler adds further comments at this audio link.