BOSTON — A civil action filed in federal court contends that four police chiefs — including Worcester Chief Gary J. Gemme — violate the Constitution in the way they issue firearms licenses.
The lawsuit has been filed by six state residents, including Ryan Shaughnessy of Worcester, with the help of the National Rifle Association-supported gun rights group Comm2A.
They’re asking the court to declare unconstitutional the law that allows police chiefs in cities and towns to attach sporting, hunting or target restrictions on licenses to carry firearms for otherwise qualified individuals.
According to the lawsuit, the way the defendants issue licenses to carry violates the 2nd Amendment by prohibiting them from keeping and bearing arms. The lawsuit alleges that issuing restricted licenses also violates the 14th Amendment, since an individual might be able to qualify for an unrestricted license in a neighboring town.
MORE: http://www.telegram.com/article/20130212/NEWS/102129851/1116
