Court Strikes Down New York Ivory Sales Ban
Devdiscourse
November 11, 2024
A federal appeals court has invalidated a New York law that effectively
prohibited sales and displays of ivory and rhinoceros horns by antiques
dealers. The decision from the 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals argued the
law unfairly restricted commercial speech protected under the First
Amendment.
The challenge was brought by trade groups who contended the law, signed by
former Governor Andrew Cuomo, was overly broad and hindered legal
transactions. The judges noted the law exceeded federal regulations, which
allow for certain exceptions in ivory sales, by imposing more stringent
criteria.
Proponents of the law intended to combat poaching and protect endangered
species, citing the decline of elephant and rhinoceros populations. Despite
its noble aim, the court ruled the legislation placed an excessive burden
on dealers, impeding their ability to communicate crucial information to
buyers about the legality of their goods.
https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3156689-court-strikes-down-new-york-ivory-sales-ban