The Georgia Supreme Court has upheld a state law barring most people under 21 from carrying handguns in public, rejecting a challenge by a 20-year-old plaintiff. The court emphasized that Georgia’s Constitution allows legislative control over how firearms are carried, despite protecting the right to bear arms.

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ATLANTA, GA (2-minute read) — The Georgia Supreme Court has upheld a state law that prohibits most individuals under the age of 21 from carrying handguns in public, effectively closing the door on a constitutional challenge brought by a 20-year-old man from Lumpkin County.

Thomas Stephens filed the lawsuit in 2023 after being denied a concealed carry license at age 18. He argued that the ban violated his constitutional right to bear arms under both the Georgia and U.S. Constitutions. Georgia law does permit individuals aged 18 to 20 to possess handguns in limited settings—such as their homes, cars, or during activities like hunting and sport shooting. The only exception for public carry in that age group applies to those with military training.

The court ruled that Georgia’s Constitution allows the General Assembly to regulate how firearms are carried, even while affirming the general right to bear arms. Justice Andrew Pinson, writing for the majority, stated that legal tests commonly used in federal court cases—like “strict scrutiny” or the “history and tradition” test—don’t apply when interpreting Georgia’s unique constitutional language. Instead, the court relied on historical context and original meaning to reach its conclusion.

This legal battle occurred against the backdrop of broader debates on firearm policy in Georgia. In 2022, Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation allowing residents to carry handguns without a permit. However, attempts to pass additional gun-related laws, including one that would allow citizens to sue local governments for enacting stricter firearm regulations, stalled in the legislature earlier this year.

Safety Tip: If you’re under 21 and considering gun ownership, make sure you understand the specific laws in your state. Legal restrictions can vary significantly and violating them—even unintentionally—can have serious consequences. Always seek proper training and stay informed.