Gun law is a hot topic in America. Some support the possession and use of firearms in specific scenarios, while others are clamoring for stricter laws that limit gun possession and use. Recently, two of the largest cities in Nebraska are facing some backlash for violating a new state gun law.
The new gun law in Nebraska prohibits them from public places such as parks. Now, there are two lawsuits against Omaha and Lincoln. The Liberty Justice Center filed the lawsuits on Dec. 18.
Furthermore, the Liberty Justice Center filed suits for the Nebraska Firearms Owners Association to oppose policies by the mayors of Omaha and Lincoln. According to suits, the executive orders the mayors issued violate a new state gun law. So, they decided to take the local governments to court.
In April 2023, Nebraska state lawmakers passed a bill that makes it legal for people to carry concealed guns across the state without a permit or completion of a gun safety course. The bill is meant to supersede stricter local laws in cities like Omaha and Lincoln. However, the local lawmakers don’t seem to agree with that idea.
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According to the lawsuit, the local law in Omaha and Lincoln ignored state laws. Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird issued executive orders prohibiting possessing or using firearms on city property, such as parks and sidewalks.
Also, the lawsuit claims that Omaha City Council banned “ghost gun” parts and manufacturing, and Lincoln City lawmakers have failed to repeal ordinances regulating firearms.
Also, the Liberty Justice Center president, Jacob Huebert, maintains that the Nebraska state law is straightforward. It clearly indicates that local governments can’t have separate gun laws to regulate firearms. “The mayors of Omaha and Lincoln have defied state law with their executive orders, and we look forward to seeing those orders and other city firearms regulations struck down,” Huebert said.
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According to Lincoln City’s attorney, Yohance Christie, the city’s actions and laws “to protect the safety and quality of life of our residents and visitors are in compliance with the law.” Similarly, Omaha City Attorney Matt Kuhse told the press that the state law in question allows cities to prohibit concealed guns “on the premises and places under its control with conspicuous notice.”
He also said that the city “will defend this lawsuit and defend the ability of municipalities, such as Omaha, to protect the safety and health of its citizens within the bounds of the law.”
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The lawsuits against both cities were filed a couple of days after Nebraska Attorney General Michael Hilgers published an op-ed saying that the state laws don’t allow the mayors to give executive orders.
Hilgers also stated that the laws passed in the cities violate residents’ Second Amendment rights. He added that they also violated the Nebraska Constitution. We can only wait to see how the court proceedings favor the cities or NFOA.
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