Supreme Court Allows Illinois 'Assault Weapons' Ban to Stand

The Supreme Court turned down a request to review an Illinois ban against semiautomatic weapons, allowing the law to remain in place.

The Thursday order was unanimous and included no explanation in the response to a lawsuit by the National Association for Gun Rights.

Supreme Court allows Illinois semiautomatic weapons ban to stay in place https://t.co/fLYZLFZhkD

— Fox News (@FoxNews) December 15, 2023

"The ban, signed by Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in January, includes penalties for individuals who, 'carries or possesses… manufactures, sells, delivers, imports, or purchases any assault weapon or .50 caliber rifle,'" Fox News reported.

"The law also includes statutory penalties for people who, 'sells, manufactures, delivers, imports, possesses, or purchases any assault weapon attachment or .50 caliber cartridge,'" it added.

Supreme Court declines to block Illinois ban on assault weapons, high-capacity magazines | Just The News https://t.co/jK4xuGsi1O

— John Solomon (@jsolomonReports) December 15, 2023

"A panel of the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in November upheld the ban, which bars the sale of certain semi-automatic weapons, prompting the renewed request for a stay," Just the News reported.

"Plaintiffs deemed the decision 'manifestly erroneous' and said it would result in state citizens suffering 'irreparably injury.' The Supreme Court could ultimately still hear the case, however, should the appeal progress," it continued.

The Illinois law was passed in January and excluded those who had already purchased weapons included in the new law.

The decision comes as a major loss for Second Amendment advocates though the case is expected to continue in other courts.

The legislation matches similar laws proposed in a variety of Democrat-led states to limit gun rights, a major issue in the Biden administration.

The move could backfire on the president, however, with his low approval ratings a major concern entering the presidential election year as President Joe Biden could face a rematch against former President Donald Trump.