To protect its citizens and law enforcement personnel, the City of Atlanta Code contains an ordinance that prohibits guns in City parks. GeorgiaCarry.org sued to challenge that code provision (along with similar code provisions of Sandy Springs, Roswell, Fulton County and others) on the grounds that it violates an existing state law which restricts cities’ ability to regulate guns. The City has vigorously defended its ordinance on both legal and public policy grounds.
On Friday Judge Doris Downs ruled that the City’s ordinance was in violation of state law and that the City was enjoined from enforcing its ordinance. The City will comply with the Judge’s ruling. To do so, the City Attorney will prepare legislation to amend the City Code to bring its ordinance into compliance given the limitations of state law. The Judge based her ruling on the language of the state law and a recent Court of Appeals ruling on the Coweta County ordinance.
The Mayor has previously expressed her concern about the public safety risks of HB 89 which was passed by the General Assembly and is awaiting action by the Governor.
Elizabeth B. Chandler, City Attorney
City of Atlanta Department of Law