
Appeals Court Upholds Florida’s Gun Age Law Post-Parkland Shooting
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld Florida's law raising the minimum age to purchase firearms from 18 to 21, a measure enacted in the wake of the 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. The decision, a unanimous ruling by the full court, rejected a challenge from the National Rifle Association (NRA), affirming the constitutionality of the law passed swiftly after the tragic event that claimed 17 lives.
The ruling, which came after extensive legal battles, has been met with mixed reactions. While some view it as a necessary step towards preventing future tragedies, others, including the NRA, argue it infringes on Second Amendment rights. Critics of the law, like Steve Bousquet, a columnist for the Sun-Sentinel, have called the ruling a 'slap in the face' to the Parkland families, suggesting that it fails to address deeper issues related to gun control and safety.
The law was part of a broader legislative response to the Parkland shooting, aiming to tighten gun control measures in Florida. This decision by the appeals court reinforces the state's efforts to enhance public safety through stricter firearm purchase regulations.