New York [US], January 31: In 1968, the US Congress passed a federal law prohibiting firearms dealers from dealing in handguns to people between the ages of 18 and 21, although parents could purchase such weapons for their children, or the prohibited age group itself could purchase them from private sellers or at gun shows.
While by law people under 21 cannot buy handguns from dealers, they can buy rifles or shotguns.
In a new ruling, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals said the law violates the Second Amendment of the US Constitution, AFP reported on January 31.
The three-judge panel outlined the Second Amendment, which protects Americans' right to bear arms.
"There is no age or maturity requirement in the wording of the Amendment, as there is in other constitutional provisions," such as the requirement that members of the US House of Representatives be at least 25 years old, the panel of judges said.
This shows that the Second Amendment does not require an age, so US citizens between the ages of 18 and 20 still have the right to purchase handguns under the provisions of the US Constitution, the panel of judges concluded.
Previously, three gun rights organizations and several individuals filed a petition with the appeals court asking for a retrial of the law.
However, gun violence prevention organization Everytown Law protested the court's outcome, calling the ruling "reckless and baseless."
Janet Carter, senior director of Everytown Law, said the law is completely constitutional and plays an important role in protecting public safety in the United States.
Ms. Carter cited FBI data showing that guns are the leading cause of death for children and teens, and the rate of gun homicides among those aged 18 to 20 is three times higher than that of those aged 21 and older.
Source: Thanh Nien Newspaper
