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Sportsman Outdoors

California being sued!

Jack Danchak
Posted 9/16/22

A coalition of outdoor groups is suing the state of California in Federal District Court in Sacramento challenging a recently past law banning the “marketing” of firearms to youths.

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Sportsman Outdoors

California being sued!

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A coalition of outdoor groups is suing the state of California in Federal District Court in Sacramento challenging a recently past law banning the “marketing” of firearms to youths.

The legal challenge is by the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, SoCal Top Guns, Safari Club International and Sportsmen’s Alliance Foundation, they want to protect youth hunting, shooting sports and education in the state of California.

Although the law described by California Governor Newsome and supporters as a prohibition on marketing the sale of firearms to youths, the new law goes well beyond direct advertising to include any marketing activity involving firearms and firearm accessories. This includes not only the purchase of firearms, but lawful use. The law’s broad terms also prohibit marketing hunter education, school-sponsored firearms teams, youth hunts, youth camps that include firearms training and even short seminars or “how to” events.

The plaintiffs say the law is so broadly written that it bans social media, leaflets or flyers, videos, magazine articles or any other communication that showcases or illustrates the use of firearms by youth.

President of SoCal Top Guns Paul Cain said, “Our entire youth education program is on hold because of this law. Thousands of kids have learned firearms safety and have competed at local, state and national events for decades and now that’s all gone.”

The law signed by Governor Newsom imposes fines of $25,000 per impression, occurrence, or publication of prohibited communications. Conservation organizations hold summer camps that include hunter education or firearm safety training, they would all likely be illegal under this new law.

Safari Club International Executive Vice-President of International & Public Affairs Ben Cassidy said, “Whether or not intentional, this poorly written and misguided law is already directly impacting hunting access for young people.”

President & CEO of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Jeff Crane said, “This law is a prime example of rushing action without fully understanding the consequences.”

The plaintiffs say the result is a defacto ban because it is difficult to hold youth camps, competitions, clinics or hunter education classes without some form of promotion of these very important events.

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