The Oregon Supreme Court refused to lift an injunction on Oregon Measure 114, a new, stricter gun control law. In its ruling, the court said the case is working its way through the courts, and there is no reason to interfere.
The court stressed that its decision had nothing to do with the merits of either side’s arguments. The court ruled that the case is progressing adequately, but further action could be taken later, if necessary. “. . . our only determination today is that now is not an appropriate time to exercise our authority in mandamus in connection with the trial court’s temporary and preliminary rulings,” the court’s order reads.
Oregon Ballot Measure 114 was approved by voters in the November 2022 general election. The new law requires a permit to purchase a firearm, along with a completed background check and certification that the purchaser has passed an approved safety course. The law also requires state police to compile a firearms database and prohibits magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds of ammunition.
At the time, the State Police asked for a delay in the law’s implementation. That agency would be tasked with issuing permits and maintaining the registry. The State Police didn’t have the infrastructure to complete either then.
On Dec. 7, 2022, Harney County Circuit Court Judge R. Raschio granted a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit filed by Gun Owners of America, the Gun Owners Foundation, Joseph Arnold, and Cliff Asmussen against Gov. Tina Kotek, Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum, and Superintendent of the Oregon State Police Terri Davie.
In January, Rosenblum petitioned the high court to allow some of the law’s requirements to go into effect. The Supreme Court denied that request.
Kevin Starrett of the Oregon Firearms Federation is pleased with the latest ruling.
“This means that Measure 114 is still blocked in its entirety and, for the moment, law-abiding gun owners do not face arrest for possessing common ammunition magazines,” Starrett wrote in an email to The Epoch Times. “This is a massive win.”
The ruling clarifies that nothing is settled in the case and that further challenges can be made. Starrett said the plaintiffs have no illusions about what lies ahead.
“We fully expect the legislature to attempt an end run around the courts to implement their own version of 114, but for right now enjoy a solid victory for gun owners and common sense,” Starrett’s email reads.
Voters approved the law, with 50.65 percent voting for it and 49.35 percent voting against it.
Who Paid for What?
The top three contributors to the campaign were Connie Ballmer of Bellevue, Washington, who contributed $750,000. Ballmer is an Oregon native and married to former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.Together they have started several organizations to support progressive charitable and political causes.
The National Education Association, a teacher’s union, contributed $500,000, and the 1630 Fund contributed $250,000. The 1630 Fund is described by the website Influencewatch.org as a possible “dark money” fund that supports progressive causes. Dark funds do not identify individual donors.
Groups opposing Measure 114 included Oregon Sportsmen Opposed to Gun Violence: Vote NO on 114 and the Stop 114 Committee. They spent a combined $130,776.92.
The top three contributors were led by the Oregon Firearms Federation contributing $31,000. Redmond, Oregon-based Radian Weapons, a firearms maker, donated $30,000. And Leupold & Stevens, based in Beaverton, Oregon, contributed $12,500. Leupold & Stevens makes rifle scopes and related accessories.
