Chicago approves new handgun restrictions

Move comes days after Supreme Court ruling cast doubt on city ban

M. Spencer Green / AP

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley on Thursday introduced what the city says is the most comprehensive gun ordinance in the United States. by DON BABWIN




updated 7/2/2010 12:50:14 PM

CHICAGO — The Chicago City Council on Friday approved what city officials say is the strictest handgun ordinance in the United States.

The 45-0 vote came four days after a Supreme Court ruling made it almost certain that Chicago's handgun ban would be overturned. The high court ruled Americans have a right to own a gun for self-defense anywhere they live.

The new city ordinance bans gun shops in Chicago and prohibits gun owners from stepping outside their homes, even onto their porches or garages, with a handgun. It will take effect in 10 days.

The ordinance also:



— Limits the number of handguns residents can register to one per month and prohibit residents from having more than one handgun in operating order at any given time.



— Requires residents in homes with children to keep them in lock boxes or equipped with trigger locks.



— Requires prospective gun owners to take a four-hour class and one-hour training at a gun range. They would have to leave the city for training because Chicago prohibits new gun ranges and limits the use of existing ranges to police officers. Those restrictions were similar to those in an ordinance passed in Washington, D.C., after the high court struck down its ban two years ago.

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