In the midst of ongoing discussions surrounding gun control, particularly following the tragic shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, one Iowa law has resurfaced in the spotlight. The state allows individuals who are legally blind to obtain permits for carrying firearms in public. Although this legislation was enacted in 2011, it has gained renewed scrutiny in light of recent events. Critics argue that if a person’s visual impairment prevents them from operating a vehicle, it stands to reason they should not be permitted to carry a gun.
Delaware County Sheriff Mark Thompson expressed concerns back in 2013, stating, “When does a visual impairment become a significant issue for safely operating a firearm? If someone can only see a hazy shape in front of them, I would question their ability to shoot accurately.” While the law permits individuals with visual impairments to carry guns, the crux of the debate lies in public carry versus ownership.
Several officials in Iowa, including Cedar County Sheriff Lisa Grant, have voiced their opposition to the law. “I cannot support giving permits to those who are legally blind,” she remarked in a recent interview. Patrick Johnson, a dedicated educator at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School, shares similar reservations regarding the implications of this legislation.
The current law’s wording restricts law enforcement from denying permits based solely on an applicant’s physical capabilities. “It does seem perplexing,” noted Officer Jenny Collins from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, “but our hands are tied when it comes to denying a permit based on this single criterion.” Federal regulations, such as the Gun Control Act of 1968, do not explicitly exclude the blind from gun ownership, and unlike many states, Iowa does not require a vision test for obtaining a firearms permit.
Polk County authorities have reported issuing permits to at least three individuals unable to legally drive due to visual impairments. As highlighted by USA Today in 2013, these individuals faced challenges even in completing the application forms due to their conditions.
While the National Federation of the Blind has not taken an official position on this matter, the discussion continues to exemplify the leniency of gun laws in the United States. The minimal training required to obtain a permit in Iowa, which can be completed online without practical instruction, further emphasizes the disparity between gun access and driving regulations.
The reality remains that in America, it is often easier to carry a firearm in public than it is to drive a vehicle. As advocates for change push for stricter regulations, the voices of those affected by gun violence, like the students from Parkland, resonate louder than ever.
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In summary, Iowa’s legislation allowing individuals who are legally blind to obtain gun permits has sparked significant debate about public safety and the implications of such laws. As discussions around gun control evolve, the need for clarity and reasonableness in regulations remains critical.