GOA Sues Over "Enhanced" Background Checks for Under-21 Adults¶
What happened. Gun Owners of America and Gun Owners Foundation filed Haward v. Blanche in the Western District of Pennsylvania. The suit challenges the "enhanced" background checks for adults under 21 created by the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. GOA argues that 18-to-20-year-olds are part of "the people" and that the checks work as age-based waiting periods. GOA also reports that the Department of Justice has appealed GOA's win against the "Engaged in the Business" rule.
Why it matters. A right that comes with a built-in delay for one age group of adults is being rationed. Courts should explain why 18-year-olds can serve their country but have to wait to defend themselves.