The 2nd Amendment protects every citizen’s right to keep and bear arms as an essential element of preserving a free society. While living in Louisiana, I had a conceal and carry license, and I am proud to be a responsible gun owner. Unconstitutional gun bans, like the one in place in the City of Chicago, effectively ensure that only criminals have access guns and weaken the law-abiding majority’s natural right of self-defense. The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear McDonald vs. the City of Chicago, which challenges the handgun ban's legality. Oral arguments are scheduled for March 2. I will continue to watch this and similar cases closely.

READ MORE:  5th District -- Quigley-backed Chicago handgun ban: Negligible results, still unconstitutional (Op-Ed)