Maryland County's Gun Ban Gets Sued Over Synagogue Access Rights
Montgomery County, Maryland's Expedited Bill 23-26 faces a constitutional challenge from a synagogue over its blanket firearm prohibition within 100 yards of any "place of public assembly." The ordinance blocks possession and transport of guns and ammunition in these zones, creating a de facto disarmament requirement for worshippers and community members attending religious gatherings, cultural events, and civic functions. The lawsuit centers on whether the county can constitutionally strip citizens of carry rights at locations where vulnerable populations gather.
Key Details
Expedited Bill 23-26 establishes a 100-yard buffer around all designated public assembly spaces where firearms and ammunition become illegal to possess or transport. The ordinance does not carve out exceptions for licensed carry permit holders or security personnel. A synagogue plaintiff argues the restriction violates the Second Amendment right to self-defense, particularly relevant given increased threats against religious institutions. The case tests whether local governments can create sweeping firearm-free zones around worship spaces without triggering strict scrutiny under New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022).
Why It Matters for Gun Owners
This case directly affects Maryland residents who legally carry and attend religious services, community events, or public gatherings in Montgomery County. The 100-yard buffer is broad enough to capture parking lots, building approaches, and adjacent streets—effectively forcing disarmament before entering worship. For defensive carry permit holders, the ordinance strips them of tools during transitions to and from high-value targets. If the county prevails, other jurisdictions will weaponize the same model. If the synagogue wins, it establishes that Bruen prevents blanket public assembly bans and protects carry rights at religious institutions. Gun owners in Maryland should monitor this closely; a loss signals state legislatures will attempt similar restrictions statewide.
DownRange Analysis
The Bruen framework demands historical grounding for firearm regulations. Montgomery County cannot point to founding-era laws banning guns near churches or town halls. The county will likely argue public safety justifies the restriction, but broad disarmament policies fail strict scrutiny post-Bruen. The synagogue has strong standing: religious institutions face documented security threats, and defensive carry is precisely what the Second Amendment protects. Watch for the court's treatment of "sensitive places"—a remaining carve-out. If judges define synagogues or public assemblies as sensitive places without historical precedent, Bruen's promise collapses. The plaintiff should demand narrow, history-backed restrictions rather than categorical bans. This case will likely reach Maryland's highest court and potentially the Fourth Circuit.
