August 26, 2020 – The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is backing Brewer, Attorneys & Counselors client the National Rifle Association (NRA) as New York Attorney General (NYAG) Letitia James attempts to dissolve the organization.
ACLU National Legal Director David Cole wrote a commentary published in The Wall Street Journal titled, “The NRA Has a Right to Exist: New York Attorney General Letitia James’ attempt to dissolve the 150-year-old organization is unconstitutional government overreach."
Cole writes that, “Our democracy is premised on the right of association. The First Amendment protects not only the right to speak, but also to band together with others to advance one’s views. Making or resisting change in a democracy requires collective action, and a healthy democracy therefore demands a robust ‘civil society.’ The right to associate can’t survive if officials can shut down organizations with which they disagree.”
Cole points out that the NRA’s lengthy history includes “a range of lawful and properly tax-exempt pursuits” – including teaching gun safety, educating the public and lobbying for gun rights laws.
He also observed that two years ago, the ACLU supported the NRA’s lawsuit against New York Governor Andrew Cuomo charging that he had violated the group’s First Amendment rights. Read more.