Illinois gun owners rally, target restrictions, highlight court cases
[May 15, 2025]
By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – Illinois gun owners are highlighting cases they’ve
brought in the court against current Illinois laws and legislation they
say would continue to take away their rights.
Wednesday was Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day in Springfield, where several
hundred gun owners took to a convention center to hear from Illinois
State Rifle Association’s Richard Pearson. He said the state’s gun ban
challenge continues in the appeals court.
“Doesn’t matter who wins, doesn't matter who loses. Whoever wins will be
happy. Whoever loses will appeal it to the [United States] Supreme
Court,” Pearson told those gathered.
There are other lawsuits pending against various other Illinois laws.
ISRA’s Ed Sullivan said they are lobbying against other pending
legislation, including Senate Bill 8 to require safe gun storage. He
said it’s unconstitutional.
“It doesn’t stop the … anti-gun legislators, they’re just going to move
forward with this potentially,” Sullivan said. “It passed the Senate and
is now in the House. It’s been delayed.”
Sullivan said legislators know they face a lawsuit if the measure is
approved.
After hearing from other speakers, several hundred gun owners marched
through the streets to the Illinois State Capitol Building. There, they
heard from state Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills.
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Gun owners march down the street toward the Illinois State Capitol
during Illinois Gun Owner Lobby Day on May 14, 2025 - Greg Bishop |
The Center Square
“On this issue guys, I am pro-life and pro-choice,” McLaughlin said.
“I want every woman to protect their lives choosing whatever caliber
of weapon that they deem does that the best.”
State Sen. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, had suggested answers to
anyone being asked about how many firearms are in their home.
“The answer? ‘Nunya. Nunya,’ right? ‘Which firearms do I own? Nunya,
right,” she said. “Where do I keep the firearms that I own? Nunya.’”
Illinois has among the most strict firearms laws in the nation,
including requiring a Firearm Owner’s ID card and a ban on more than
170 semi-automatic firearms. Both laws are being challenged in the
courts.
Legislators are scheduled to adjourn spring session May 31.
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