CHICAGO (AP) — A federal appeals court has struck down a ban on carrying concealed weapons in Illinois — the only state where carrying concealed weapons is entirely illegal.
The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals announced Tuesday that state lawmakers have 180 days to write a new law that legalizes carrying concealed weapons.
The ruling is a big victory for gun rights advocates, who argue that the prohibition against concealed weapons violates the U.S. Constitution and what they see as Americans' right to carry guns for self-defense.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan's office says it is reviewing the ruling and would comment Tuesday.
The leader of the Illinois State Rifle Association, Richard Pearson, praised the federal court's decision and said the state could have a new concealed weapons law by early next month.
