Officials in Florida are appealing a federal judge’s ruling striking down a state law preventing doctors from talking to patients about gun ownership. The law pits the First Amendment against the Second Amendment. Doctor Louis St. Petery with the Florida Pediatric Society says even though gun advocates are making it seem like doctors are intruding on the right to bear arms, he says it’s more like the gun advocates are trying to block doctors' right to free speech.
“And I resent the Governor trying to interfere with our First Amendment Right. I think we should talk to our parents about guns that might be in the home. I think it’s our right it’s our duty.” Petery said.
A federal judge agreed with doctors and struck down the state’s so called “Docs versus Glocks” law. But Governor Rick Scott is appealing the ruling. He says the law was carefully crafted to respect the First Amendment while ensuring a patient’s Second Amendment rights.
Statement from Governor Rick Scott Tallahassee, Fla.– “The Department of Health today filed an appeal to the federal court decision blocking enforcement of the Firearm Owner’s Privacy Act. This law was carefully crafted to respect the First Amendment while ensuring a patient’s constitutional right to own or possess a firearm without discrimination. I signed this legislation into law because I believe it is constitutional and I will continue to defend it.”