In a victory for gun rights advocates, a federal appeals court on Tuesday struck down Illinois’ ban on carrying concealed weapons — the only total concealed-carry ban in the country. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals gave state lawmakers six months to come up with their own version of the law that legalizes concealed carry.

‘Self-defense’

“We’re extremely pleased with the ruling,” Illinois State Rifle Association leader Richard Pearson said. “Now that the court has ruled … we will work as soon as possible with legislators to craft a concealed-carry bill for the state of Illinois.”

The 2-1 decision marks a huge win for gun rights advocates who have argued that the ban on concealed weapons violates the U.S. Constitution’s Second Amendment and what they see as citizens’ right to carry guns for self-defense.  A new law could be in place by January, Pearson said. A bill has already been written by Rep. Brandon Phelps that includes background checks, field provisions and other issues.

‘Strict gun control laws’

The appeals court ruling reverses lower court opinions against a lawsuit filed by former corrections officer Michael Moore of Champaign, farmer Charles Hooks of Percy in southeastern Illinois and the Bellevue, Wash.-based Second Amendment Foundation.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn, who favors strict gun control laws and proposed an assault weapons ban earlier this year that lawmakers defeated, has vowed to again bring legislation that would prohibit the sale or possession of semi-automatic rifles and other guns. Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office, which is responsible for defending the state’s laws, said it was reviewing the ruling and would comment later Tuesday.

Are you in favor of the Federal court’s decision to strike down the Illinois ban on carrying concealed weapons? What is your stand regarding gun ownership?

Source: Fox News

Image: CBS News