Appeals Court Upholds Temporary Block On Colorado Gun Law

Colorado's efforts to raise the age limit for purchasing rifles have hit yet another snag. On Tuesday, federal judges from the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked a new law that would have increased the age limit to 21, effectively putting it on hold indefinitely. The decision prolongs the legal battle surrounding the law, which could potentially stretch out for a year or more.

In August, a district court judge issued an injunction that prevented the law from taking effect on its scheduled date. Governor Jared Polis's office responded by filing an emergency motion with the appeals court, seeking temporary permission to enforce the 21-and-over restriction while the state appealed the earlier decision. However, judges Carolyn McHugh and Nancy Moritz of the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the request, leaving the law in limbo.

Opponents of the law, particularly gun rights advocates, argue that the higher age limit is unconstitutional, citing the U.S. Supreme Court's 2022 Bruen ruling. This recent ruling is just the latest development in the ongoing legal challenge to Colorado's new gun law.

It's worth noting that both judges involved in this ruling were appointed by Democratic presidents.

In response to the appeals court's decision, Governor Polis continues to defend the new law, “A loophole allows kids under age 21 to legally buy a rifle instead. This new law approved by the legislature closes that loophole and Governor Polis hopes that the courts agree with him that the law is fully consistent with the Second Amendment and reduces confusion,” wrote spokesman Conor Cahill in an email.