Reason reports:
California Penal Code 26820 bans gun stores from displaying signs — visible from outside the premises — picturing handguns. They aren't allowed to display words-only signs that advertise the sales of handguns, either.Those who aren't fans of the Second Amendment aren't fans of the First Amendment.
Rifles can be pictured. Stores may show images of handguns in advertisements that are not on their premises. And opponents of gun rights are free to display photographs and placards depicting handguns. Defenders of gun rights often rely on the Constitution's Second Amendment to protect gun ownership, but in this case the plaintiffs are relying on the First Amendment.
"The sale of handguns is not only legal — it is constitutionally protected," according to the brief filed on behalf of four Central Valley gun dealers. "The First Amendment protects truthful, non-misleading commercial speech promoting lawful products or services, but especially when the products or services are themselves protected by other constitutional rights, such as the right to abortion or the right to buy contraceptives…"
