As
you recall, when GRNC successfully fought to pass concealed
carry in state and municipal parks in 2011, some city governments
opposed to the changes adopted ordinances with over-broad
interpretations of what
constitutes a "recreational facility" where they could still ban guns.
Given that HB 937, which becomes law on Oct. 1, expands concealed
carry into restaurants, campuses and into more areas of parks, you can expect more local government resistance.
The most egregious offender has been Winston-Salem, which effectively continues to ban guns on greenways, lakes and entire parks. In response, GRNC has taken two actions: First, our non-profit arm, Rights Watch International, filed a lawsuit against the city. Second, we went back to the legislature and successfully narrowed the definition of "recreational facility" such that local governments could no longer ban guns on athletic fields (except during organized events), or on playgrounds, greenways and walking trails, or open fields.
Winston-Salem stonewalls on lawsuit & continues to flout the law
In the Rights Watch lawsuit against Winston-Salem over its illegal parks ordinance, city lawyers are trying to stonewall on the discovery stage, refusing to provide the plaintiffs with:
The most egregious offender has been Winston-Salem, which effectively continues to ban guns on greenways, lakes and entire parks. In response, GRNC has taken two actions: First, our non-profit arm, Rights Watch International, filed a lawsuit against the city. Second, we went back to the legislature and successfully narrowed the definition of "recreational facility" such that local governments could no longer ban guns on athletic fields (except during organized events), or on playgrounds, greenways and walking trails, or open fields.
Winston-Salem stonewalls on lawsuit & continues to flout the law
In the Rights Watch lawsuit against Winston-Salem over its illegal parks ordinance, city lawyers are trying to stonewall on the discovery stage, refusing to provide the plaintiffs with:
- The identity of each person involved in drafting the illegal Ordinance.
- Documents written by the City and its employees relating to the City’s definition of: “playground, athletic facility, athletic field, and swimming pool” in the Ordinance.
- Documents related to the research, development, drafting, and debate on the Ordinance.
- Police reports for crimes occurring at
the parks, greenways, lakes, picnic shelters, and recreational facilities in the past three years.
In its most recent and attempt to defy the will of voters, the Winston-Salem City Council is once again plotting to undermine our newly improved parks carry law. At the bottom of the alert is a hand-wringing letter from council member Molly Leight to her constituents, and then GRNC President Paul Valone's response.
Where is the secret service when you need them?
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