Memphis Gun Control Sparks Controversy: Lawsuits Fly After Voter Support
Memphis, Tenn. โ Itโs only been a short while since Memphis voters cast their ballots, but already the city is facing legal battles regarding gun control measures. The recent elections, which saw over 80 percent of the public support three proposed referenda aimed at tightening gun regulations, have ignited a firestorm of opposition from gun rights groups.
What Did the Voters Decide?
On the ballot were three significant questions that could reshape the landscape of gun ownership in the city: requiring permits to own a handgun, limiting the sale of assault-style weapons, and establishing a red flag law. The results were crystal clear: Memphis is ready for change. The overwhelming public support reflects a growing concern about gun violence and safety in the community.
The Backlash Begins
Following the decisive vote, organizations like the Gun Owners of America were quick to spring into action, filing lawsuits against the city just days later. โTennessee has one of the strongest preemption laws in the nation,” stated Erich Pratt, Senior Vice President of GOA. โThe very reason it exists is to prevent radical anti-gun cities from enacting the very sort of draconian policies Memphis just โadopted.’โ Sounds intense, right?
City Officials Respond
Not everyone is on the same page. Memphis City Councilman Jeff Warren thinks the lawsuit is a bit of overkill. โIt sure sounds to me like someone is afraid that we could set a precedent about allowing large cities to have some sort of reasonable gun regulation,โ he argued. Warren and other council members have expressed a desire to discuss this matter with state lawmakers in hopes of finding some middle ground for Memphis.
But Will It Work?
Whatโs next? Some council members are hopeful about getting an exemption from state gun laws to accommodate the cityโs new regulations. Warren added, โIโm sure that youโll be hearing from a lot of us going to Nashville and wanting to talk to our colleagues up there and get their advice.โ However, Republican state Senator Brent Taylor from Memphis is already waving the red flag on that idea, insisting that โthe State has no appetite to change State law.โ He added, โThe City Council misled the public. They committed fraud against Memphians,โ making it clear heโs not a fan of the new measures.
Local Leaders Wonโt Back Down
On the other side of the aisle, Memphis Democrats are rallying behind the gun control measures. Representative Jesse Chism emphasized the importance of addressing gun violence while also considering the concerns of rural districts. โMany Democrats, especially those of us from Memphis, we support measures to curb gun violence,โ he noted.
What Happens Next?
The Gun Owners of Americaโs lawsuit challenges the upcoming ordinances intended to take effect on January 1, 2025. However, as it stands now, those ordinances are not yet in place, and the future of Memphis’s gun laws hangs in the balance. The recent referenda were allowed on the ballots by a judge because they were solely proposals without any current amendments to the cityโs charter. This leaves the question open: Will these measures ever become formal laws?
The Final Say
Ultimately, the state government will have the final say on the matter, which means Memphis residents and leaders will have to stay vigilant as they navigate this tumultuous issue of gun rights and public safety. With public sentiment swaying toward stricter laws, this is a story that continues to unfold, and weโll be keeping an eye on how it develops!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
