Known colloquially as “Docs versus Glocks”, a 2011 law that limited care provider’s to ask about and act on firearms owned by patients, was ultimately resolved earlier this month. After the full En banc hearing of the 11th Circuit which struck down large sections the law, the state of Florida did not appeal the decision by the deadline. When asked by local press, no reason was given on why the state decided not to appeal.

The court found that various provisions of the law were unconstitutional including restrictions on inquiries by care providers, record-keeping, and anti-harassment provisions. Other portions were upheld including the law that bans doctors from discriminating against patients who own firearms.

The law was originally passed in 2011 as the “Firearm’s Owners Privacy Act.” Creation and passage was in response to a mother who’s pediatrician asked her to find another care provider after the mother refused to answer questions about firearms in the home. The law was supported by the National Rifle Association.

The plaintiffs argued that the law infringed on their First Amendment rights to free speech. The ACLU of Florida agreed and supported the case and hailed the decisions from the circuit court and the states’ decision not to appeal the ruling.

Stock image provided by Rueters