Memphis Gun Control Measures Approved for Ballot

A court ruling has cleared the way for three gun control measures to be placed on the November ballot in Memphis, following a legal battle initiated by the Memphis City Council against the Shelby County Election Commission. The measures, which include restrictions on carrying handguns without a permit and a ban on assault rifles with some exceptions, were initially blocked by the election commission under pressure from state GOP leaders, who threatened to withhold state sales tax revenue from Memphis. Chancellor Melanie Taylor Jefferson's decision mandates that the measures be presented to voters, emphasizing local governance rights. The ballot questions are unbinding and aim to address public safety concerns amidst ongoing debates over gun laws in Tennessee. Local officials argue that allowing the public to vote on these issues is crucial for community governance and safety.