This article has been updated since publication.
A Dallas County judge has ruled that the State Fair of Texas’ firearm ban can stay in place following a legal challenge by Attorney General Ken Paxton. Paxton then filed an accelerated appeal to Texas’ new 15th Court of Appeals.
Last month, fair organizers announced new safety regulations, including a blanket ban on all firearms, even for licensed carriers. The policy quickly drew backlash from 70 state lawmakers, who penned a letter urging the State Fair to reconsider.
In response, fair officials defended the ban, stating it was intended to foster a more family-friendly atmosphere and asserting their rights as a private organization to set their own firearm policies.
Soon after the ban was announced, Paxton filed a lawsuit against the City of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas, saying that the ban infringed upon Texans’ right to self-defense.
“Municipalities cannot nullify state law, nor can they shirk accountability by outsourcing official functions to third parties,” Paxton stated. “The City of Dallas and the State Fair of Texas cannot infringe upon Texans’ right to self-defense. I warned them fifteen days ago to end their unlawful conduct, and now, we’re going to court.”
The State Fair is held annually in Fair Park, which is owned by the City of Dallas and leased to the fair.
On Thursday, Dallas County District Judge Emily Tobolowsky ruled in favor of the State Fair, stating that there was insufficient evidence to prove the firearm ban violated state law.
Texas Gun Rights released a statement sharing disappointment with the ruling.
“It is a disappointing day in the state of Texas when law-abiding citizens are robbed of their ability to practice their Second Amendment rights and protect themselves, their families, and their communities,” reads the statement.
TXGR’s President Chris McNutt thanked Paxton, state legislators, and others for their support in fighting anti-Second Amendment policies.
“I would like to thank Attorney General Ken Paxton for being willing to take on this fight and the dozens of state legislators that aided and supported Attorney General Paxton in this fight,” said McNutt. “I would also like to thank the countless Texas Gun Rights members, volunteers, and supporters that assisted us in bringing the State Fair’s dangerous anti-self defense policy to light. We will need your help as we go into the upcoming legislative session to ensure we win this fight once and for all.”
The State Fair is scheduled to run from Friday, September 27 through Sunday, October 20.
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