[goldstategop]

Yes, its now binding throughout the state, not just in the county it was originally in effect. Ohio is now an "open carry" state. Congratulations to everyone for their hard work on this. It must be a glum day for Sarah Brady and the gun banners. Bwahahaha!!!

[vortigern]

Cincinnati radio (WLW) is reporting that the ban on concealed carry has been lifted in Hamilton County (pending likely appeals). How does the court's ruling affect the rest of the state? Just curious if you know?

[good_ash]

ohio isn't an open carry state - this only applies to one county, where, if the injunction is lifted, concealed carry is now legal, without a permit (a-la vermont style concealed carry)

[goldstategop]

Judge Ruehlman's ruling applied only to Hamilton County --- that is to the environs of Cincinnati and surrounding communities in the county. The Ohio Appeals Court which granted the previous stay of the ruling has now lifted it AND affirmed the trial court's ruling and now the decision is binding statewide, not just in Hamilton County. This means Ohio citizens can openly carry firearms on their persons without fear of arrest, indictment, prosecution, and conviction. Today is truly a day a blow has been struck FOR the Constitution of Ohio AND the Second Amendment. Ohio now joins the ranks of states in which its possible to carry weapons without having to rely on the county sheriff or police chief to grant that precious permit. In a free society people should have the right to protect their persons and their homes. The Ohio Appeals Court affirmed this fundamental right. Now the politicians of Ohio including Governor Robert Taft, have to decide whether to obey the Constitution or submit to the likes of Sarah Brady and Josh Sugarman.

[Redcloak]

Ohio is now an "open carry" state.

This is true since the court lifted its stay.

I urge all Ohioans to now carry a concealed weapon. Do so whether you feel the "need" to or not. This next part is important: Keep a diary of your activities. Entries in your log should be along the lines of "Carried a concealed weapon today; did not shoot anyone." There will come a time when the antis will allege that concealed carry will cause blood to run in the streets. You have the chance now to document a period in Ohio's history when no concealed carry law existed, yet no such carnage occured. Ohio could still get stuck with a concealed carry law in the future. By carrying concealed now and documenting the lack of violence, you will help the legislators who will argue against restictive language in any such future statute.

The best case scenario is that the General Assembly leaves the issue alone; a Vermont-style law. By documenting a high rate of concealed carry without a corresponding increase in violence, "shall issue" could be the "worst case" scenario. Failing to document a lack of violence during this period could get you stuck with a California style discretionary system. (If you're not a movie star or a big donor, you can forget the permit!)

START PACKIN' NOW!!