Federal Judges Pauses Implementation of 72 Hr. Waiting Period Law; MGSC press release

FOR RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2025

Contact: press@mainegunsafety.org

Statement from Gun Safety Coalition on Decision in Waiting Period Lawsuit

PORTLAND – Today the judge hearing the gun lobby’s lawsuit to roll back Maine’s 72-hour waiting period law for gun purchases issued a ruling in favor of the gun lobby. In response, Nacole Palmer, executive director for the Maine Gun Safety Coalition released the following statement:

“We’re deeply troubled by the decision of a Trump-appointed judge to roll back Maine’s gun safety laws. That the gun lobby sued to roll back a common-sense law that doesn’t prevent anyone’s right to buy guns but does help prevent suicide is unsurprising. That a judge granted them this political victory at the cost of Mainers is surprising.

“Suicide is the leading cause of gun death in Maine, especially for men. Three-day waiting period laws provide a brief cooling off period so someone in crisis who may be buying a gun to take their own life has time to reconsider and get help. These laws have been upheld as constitutional in countless other states where they exist, some up to 10 days. Once again, Maine is an outlier and this ruling is an exception to established law, and it’s an exception that will cost lives and cause Maine families heartbreak and loss.

“We’re confident the state will appeal and this poor decision that could cause more Maine families to lose loved ones to suicide will be overturned.”