Kan. officials agree with gun law ruling

The United States Supreme Court ruled Monday that the U.S. Constitution protects the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms from state and local encroachment.

Monday's 5-4 decision came as a result of the McDonald v. Chicago decision that challenged the city's ban of the ownership of firearms as a violation of the U.S. Constitution.

The decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to allow the ownership of firearms for self-defense no matter where the citizen lives did not overrule Chicago's 30-year ban, rather it instructed federal appeals courts to reconsider previous rulings. The decision did however leave little doubt that the statutes eventually would fall.

Kansas Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt and Kansas Attorney General Steve Six both agree the decision was a good one.

"The right to keep and bear arms, particularly for self defense, is a liberty protected by the United States Constitution," Schmidt said. "[Monday,] the Court extended that protection by shielding this individual liberty from being extinguished by state and local governments as well."

Six added, "Today's ruling is a victory for Kansas because it upholds our state's ability to punish criminals while respecting the Second Amendment rights of law abiding citizens and protecting public safety. The Supreme Court has clearly stated that state and local policymakers must recognize and maintain the fundamental rights provided by the Second Amendment.

Six, along with representatives of 33 other states, were involved in an Amicus Brief, a document presented to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of extending the rights of Americans.

"I am proud Kansas was able to play a role in this decision," Six said.