The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld Colorado’s Senate Bill 23-169, which prevents individuals under the age of 21 from buying firearms. This ruling reversed a prior decision by a lower court, which had blocked the law on grounds that it might infringe on Second Amendment rights. Now that the appellate court has allowed the law to stand, public debate over the constitutionality of age-based gun restrictions has intensified.
Writing for the appeals court panel, U.S. Circuit Judge Richard Federico argued that the law does not violate the right to bear arms, as it merely places a condition on commercial gun sales rather than denying gun ownership outright. Federico noted that the Supreme Court’s Bruen decision requires courts to evaluate gun laws within the framework of historical firearm restrictions, a standard he believes Colorado’s law meets.
#Colorado’s 21-and-older gun law can go into effect, federal appeals court rules
-Ends a temporary injunction, while Rocky Mountain Gun Owners continues to challenge the ruling and legal battles are underway. #News #Guns #2A https://t.co/YBB3uJ2Mej pic.twitter.com/GnvLztZnkO— CurleeQ (@CurleeQS) November 7, 2024
Proponents of the law argue that this age restriction is a common-sense measure to enhance public safety. They claim that restricting access to firearms for individuals under 21 aligns with studies indicating that younger adults may lack full impulse control, which could lead to risky or violent behavior. Advocates view the age limit as a preventative measure.
Opponents, including Rocky Mountain Gun Owners (RMGO), have condemned the law as a violation of young adults’ constitutional rights. RMGO asserts that the Second Amendment’s protections should apply equally to all adults, including those between 18 and 20. They argue that age-based restrictions ignore the Supreme Court’s recent emphasis on preserving historical standards for gun rights.
Colorado gun law raising age limit to 21 can take effect, appeals court rules https://t.co/j0tItmUy5P
— Summit Daily News (@SummitDailyNews) November 6, 2024
Colorado’s 21-and-older gun law can go into effect, federal appeals court rules https://t.co/7P5FkUXn2U
— The Colorado Sun (@ColoradoSun) November 5, 2024
Critics further argue that the age restriction is inconsistent with other adult responsibilities granted at 18, such as voting, military service, and taxation. They believe that the law imposes an unfair burden on young adults who seek to exercise their right to self-defense.
RMGO has announced intentions to appeal, potentially taking the case to the Supreme Court. This case could lead to a landmark ruling on the constitutional limits of age-based restrictions on gun purchases, adding fuel to an already heated debate.
