WASHINGTON — “The common good demands that society protect vulnerable women and children from domestic violence, and reasonable restrictions on gun possession to ensure their safety do not violate the Constitution,” said Archbishop Borys Gudziak, addressing the Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Rahimi. The Court ruled that a federal statute, which protects families by barring firearm possession for individuals subject to a protective order, is constitutional under the Second Amendment.

“Violence in any form is sinful, and the bishops have stated as clearly and strongly as we can that violence against women, inside or outside the home, is never justified. We welcome today’s opinion in upholding safeguards for women and children against gun violence.  Properly understood, the Constitution does not require that a victim of domestic violence should fear for her life. Today, the Court has affirmed the government’s ability to protect victims of abuse.”

The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops‘ amicus brief in United States v. Rahimi may be found here.