NRA: Supreme Court Should Move Forward on Gun Case Despite NYC Attempt to Undercut Suit

'The city's attempt to slightly modify its unconstitutional law is a nakedly transparent delay tactic'

The National Rifle Association on Monday called New York City's proposed change to the gun law set to be examined by the Supreme Court a "feeble attempt to stop the lawsuit over the city’s unconstitutional firearm travel ban" that shouldn't prevent the Court from hearing the case.

"New York City's problem is they think they're regulating a privilege instead of a fundamental, constitutional right," Chris W. Cox, executive director of the NRA's Institute for Legislative Action, said in a statement. "The city's attempt to slightly modify its unconstitutional law is a nakedly transparent delay tactic. We are confident that the U.S. Supreme Court will reject New York's shenanigans and allow the case to proceed."

The group's statement comes in response to dueling court filings from lawyers representing New York City and the New York State Rifle and Pistol Association.

Earlier this month, the city filed a motion informing the Court that a proposed rule change would address the complaints made by the gun-rights activists suing the city. It said the restrictions on traveling outside of the city with a legally owned gun would be reduced and gun owners would be able to legally travel to a few new locations with their firearms.

"The proposed rule," Richard Dearing, a lawyer representing the city, told the Court, "would amend S 5-23(a) to allow premises licensees to transport a handgun listed on their premises license directly to and from any of the following additional locations, provided that the handgun is transported unloaded, in a locked container, with the ammunition carried separately: Another premises of the licensee where the licensee is authorized to have and possess a handgun; A small-arms range/shooting club authorized by law to operate as such, whether located within or outside New York City; and A shooting competition at which the licensee may possess the handgun consistent with the law applicable at the place of the competition."