California law that would ban firearms in most public places blocked

A California law that would ban firearms in most public places was blocked by a federal judge Wednesday.

The law, struck down because U.S. District Judge Cormac Carney ruled that it violates the Second Amendment, would have gone into effect at the beginning of next month. It was signed by California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) back in September and would have barred the concealed carrying of guns in locations like public parks and playgrounds, churches, banks and zoos. 

Carney, who granted a preliminary injunction blocking the law, wrote that it was “sweeping, repugnant to the Second Amendment, and openly defiant of the Supreme Court,” according to The Associated Press (AP).

As the law is blocked, the court case against it will still continue. The ruling benefits the California Rifle and Pistol Association, the organization that sued to block the law.

President of the California Rifle and Pistol Association Chuck Michel said according to the law, gun permit holders “wouldn’t be able to drive across town without passing through a prohibited area and breaking the law,” per the AP.

California State Attorney General Rob Bonta (D) said his office is going to appeal the decision, according to the AP. Newsom said he will continue to work towards stricter gun measures.

“Defying common sense, this ruling outrageously calls California’s data-backed gun safety efforts ‘repugnant.’ What is repugnant is this ruling, which greenlights the proliferation of guns in our hospitals, libraries, and children’s playgrounds — spaces, which should be safe for all,” Newsom said in a statement Wednesday evening, per the AP.

The Associated Press contributed.