SAVANNAH, Ga. – Controversy Erupts Over Gun Ordinance
Recently, the city of Savannah has made headlines thanks to a local judge’s ruling that has sparked a bit of a stir in the community. A lawsuit aimed at challenging a city ordinance regarding gun safety has been tossed out, leaving gun owners and city officials in a bit of a pickle.
What’s All the Fuss About?
The ordinance in question, passed by Savannah’s mayor and city council back in April, bans leaving firearms inside unlocked vehicles. This law comes with some hefty penalties—think a possible $1,000 fine and up to 30 days in jail. The goal? To tackle the increasing number of firearm thefts reported. In 2023 alone, over 200 guns were taken from unlocked cars. That’s a lot of guns ending up in the wrong hands!
However, a lawsuit brought by a Georgia gun owner named Clarence Belt sought to challenge this ordinance. But on November 22, Chatham County Superior Court Judge Benjamin Karpf ruled against Belt, stating he lacked the legal standing to take the city to court because he isn’t a Savannah resident and hasn’t been charged with violating the ordinance.
The Legal Background
So why was the lawsuit filed in the first place? Belt’s attorney, John R. Monroe, argued that the Savannah ordinance violates a Georgia state law that prevents local governments from regulating guns. In his view, this local law goes against the grain of what Georgia state law allows. And he isn’t the only one with concerns—Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr also weighed in earlier this year, warning the city that their ordinance could be problematic.
Despite these warnings, local officials went ahead with the ordinance, emphasizing the need to promote responsible gun ownership. “We must do everything we can to protect our community,” said Savannah’s mayor, Van Johnson, who has a background in law enforcement. Mayor Johnson argues that the ordinance is all about keeping guns out of the hands of criminals while still allowing citizens their rights to own firearms.
The Defense’s Position
During court discussions, Savannah’s city attorney, Bates Lovett, defended the ordinance, saying that it really doesn’t infringe on gun ownership rights. “We’re regulating the vehicle, not the firearm,” he stated, further emphasizing the need for responsible storage solutions for firearm owners.
On the other side, Monroe, who represents Belt, talked about the practical impacts of the ordinance. Belt lives in Jesup, Georgia, approximately 66 miles away from Savannah, and visits the city often. “He has trouble walking and his car doesn’t have power locks,” Monroe explained. “To comply with the ordinance, he’d have to get out and walk around the car to lock it manually, and that’s quite challenging for him.”
What’s Next for Gun Owners?
After the judge’s ruling, Monroe and Belt are left pondering their next course of action. While Monroe suggests it’s only a matter of time before the ordinance is challenged again, they haven’t yet decided whether to appeal the ruling.
As this story unfolds, Savannah remains a focal point for discussions surrounding gun safety and regulation. The community is divided, with differing opinions about the balance between safety and personal freedoms. As gun regulations continue to be a hot topic across the nation, Savannah’s ordinance stands as an example of the ongoing conversation about how best to manage firearms in our modern society.
