Second Amendment Foundation Updates: Two Wins in New York

In the past month, the Second Amendment Foundation and its partners have been handed wins in two cases, both in New York.

The first case is known as Christian v. James, and a federal district court judge in New York ruled that the state’s restriction against concealed carry on private property open to the public is unconstitutional. U.S. District Judge John L. Sinatra, Jr. issued a 43-page decision in which he observed, “The Nation’s historical traditions have not countenanced such a curtailment of the right to keep and bear arms. Indeed, the right to self-defense is equally important—and equally recognized—on then vast swaths of private property open to the public across New York State.”

The second win was in a case known as Hunter v. Cortland Housing Authority. In that case, a federal judge in New York has issued a permanent injunction against the Cortland Housing Authority prohibiting any sort of firearms ban against CHA tenants. In the order, U.S. District Judge Glenn T. Suddaby stated, “Pursuant to Plaintiffs’ claims as set forth in the First Amended Complaint, Defendants, and their respective employees, agents, representatives, service providers and/or contractors, are enjoined from prohibiting Plaintiffs and all other CHA tenants from owning, possessing, transporting, or using firearms for lawful purposes, provided they are otherwise qualified and in compliance with all federal, state, and local laws applicable to the ownership, possession, transportation and use of firearms.”

These cases represent only two of SAF’s more than 55 active cases across the nation. Click here to learn more about our legal work.

NASGW President Elected to SAF Board of Trustees

During SAF’s board meeting at the annual GRPC, NASGW president and secretary Kenyon Gleason was elected to SAF’s Board of Trustees.

In a press release announcing his election to the board, Gleason said, “SAF’s work in the Second Amendment space is second to none, and I am honored to now be an integral part of the organization. NASGW came on board as a SAF corporate partner earlier this year, and it’s a privilege to now be able to donate my time and lend my expertise to help guide the organization as they continue to fight for our constitutional rights across the country.”

Prior to NASGW, Gleason was the vice president of development and field operations for the American Road and Transportation Builders Association in Washington, D.C., focused on U.S. transportation related issues, legislation and advocacy. He also has more than 30 years of media, communications, marketing, public and government relations experience in a variety of industries including healthcare, education, transportation, agriculture and the shooting sports.

SAF Announces Golden Bowtie Award, Honors Inaugural Winner

 SAF recently announced the creation of a new accolade – The Golden Bowtie Award – and honored its first recipient at this year’s Gun Rights Policy Conference (GRPC). Recipients of the Golden Bowtie are people and/or organizations who have made significant contributions of time, talent and treasure to SAF and its mission.

Tom Taylor, Executive Vice President, Global Brand Development at SIG SAUER and member of SAF’s Board of Trustees, was presented the award at the annual GRPC in San Diego.

When asked about the award, Taylor said, “I am thrilled to be the inaugural recipient of this prestigious award. SAF is truly working on the front lines fighting for our Second Amendment rights, and it’s a privilege to be honored as the first Golden Bowtie award winner. I will proudly wear the bowtie as a reminder that our civil liberties are always under attack and as a symbol of how SAF fights every day to ensure our Second Amendment rights are defended, secured and restored.”

50th Anniversary Long-Form Video Released

SAF has released a final, long-form video commemorating the organization’s 50th anniversary and celebrating the organization’s critical work fighting for the right to keep and bear arms. Titled “Reflections: Five Decades of SAF’s 2A Advocacy,” the videos take viewers on a historical journey of SAF, showcasing its commitment to defend, secure and restore the Second Amendment.

Video interviews were conducted with some of the top Second Amendment advocates, scholars and attorneys across the nation who provide a unique history of not only SAF, but Second Amendment case law.

Click here to view the long-form video or any of the 18 short anniversary vignettes.

SAF Partner Updates

SAF was recently the beneficiary of a generous $3,500 donation from Mec-Gar USA to support the organization’s legal efforts. Mec-Gar’s donation was raised through sales of their 1911 .45 ACP magazine with the text of the Second Amendment laser engraved.

When announcing the donation, Kraut said, “Much like needing a reliable magazine to ensure your firearm works when it's needed most, SAF is trusted to defend, secure, and restore our right to keep and bear arms across the United States. It's humbling to know so many individuals and companies like Mec-Gar rely on SAF to fight for our Second Amendment rights in courtrooms across the country.” 

Should you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with SAF Senior Vice President/Vice President of Development Lauren Hill at lhill@saf.org. If you would like more detailed information on any of SAF’s more than 55 active cases, visit saf.org where all current cases are listed under the Legal Action section.