Federal Judge Rules in Favor of Gun Rights in Iowa

National Association for Gun Rights

In Iowa, a Federal judge has ordered the Osceola County Sheriff to issue a concealed handgun permit to a political activist and take a remedial course on Free Speech and the 1st Amendment.

Iowa Gun Owners member Paul Dorr, father of IGO director Aaron Dorr, successfully sued Osceola County Sheriff Douglas Weber, after his ccw permit application was denied.

Sheriff Weber testified that he denied Dorr’s permit application because of Dorr’s political activities and views — the same grassroots activism that gun owners like you participate in with the National Association for Gun Rights.

In the ruling Federal District Judge Mark Bennett said: “In denying Paul a concealed weapons permit, Sheriff Weber single-handedly hijacked the First Amendment and nullified its freedoms and protections. Ironically, Sheriff Weber, sworn to uphold the Constitution, in fact retaliated against a citizen of his county who used this important freedom of speech and association precisely in the manner envisioned by the founding members of our nation …”

As a result of his outrageous infringement upon Mr. Dorr’s rights, Sheriff Weber was ordered by Judge Bennett to complete a college level course on the U.S. Constitution, “including — at least in part — a discussion of the First Amendment.” Sheriff Weber is also required to file an affidavit proving his completion of the course with the court.

This is a huge victory for the right-to-carry in Iowa.

Congratulations are due to Paul Dorr and Iowa Gun Owners for this important victory.

You can read more about the lawsuit and Judge Bennett’s ruling on the National Association for Gun Rights’ blog.