Thanks
I’d like to thank The Tennessean, The Roanoke Times and others for the fact that South Carolina is likely making it’s handgun carry permit records off limits.
A victory for the right to privacy.
Note that the article is written by a blog entitled Common Sense Journalism but the author doesn’t seem to use any and advocates against the law citing journalist’s need. Perhaps he’s unclear on the term need. But, honestly, if alleged journalists hadn’t been irresponsible and published lists (one even comparing permit holders to sex offenders), I doubt SC would be passing this law.
February 8th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
[strict constructionist] What right to privacy? [/strict constructionist]
February 8th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Whether there is a right to privacy or no, I am very happy that my state (Michigan) has long held the names of Concealed Pistol Licensees private.
I don’t know if there was a newspaper push, or someone had an attack of the smarts when the law was changed in 2001. Of course, the privacy requirements may predate the “Shall-issue” law of 2001.
If that was the case, the Sheriffs who issued permits to friends, family, and campaign contributors had strong self-interest to keep the list private.