The government stuck at a crossroads of how to reduce gun violence while also upholding the 2^nd Amendment. In response, many banks and retail stores are changing their policies on firearms. Gun-control advocates praise the actions. Others see the practices as discriminatory.

Business Actions

Gary Ramey builds hand-made firearms. Many stores carry his guns and he also sells them online. Selling them on his website, however, has become a little more difficult lately. The companies he’s tried to use to process customer credit card payments say they won’t do business with him because he makes guns. This is now the policy of both Stripe and Intuit. Unless Ramey and other businesses like his can find a credit card processing company to work with them, they won’t be able to accept credit payments.

The recent decision by Bank of America is another example. Earlier this year, they stopped offering financing to any company makes assault rifles.

Dick’s Sporting Goods and Walmart still sell guns, but they have increased the age limit. Americans are legally allowed to buy a gun at age 18. Dick’s and Walmart, however, won’t sell one to anyone younger than 21. REI, a retailer who doesn’t even sell guns, stopped selling other products by Vista Outdoor because one of the company’s divisions makes guns and ammunition.

United Airlines and Delta have stopped giving discounts to NRA members. So have National, Hertz, and Alamo car rental businesses.

Gun Industry Retaliation

Gun makers view these policy changes as illegal discrimination. Companies are targeting a legal business sector and hurting gun sales.

Casey Cagle is the Lt. Governor in Georgia. He’s also currently running for Governor. In response to Delta’s moves against the NRA, he quashed a bill that would have given the company a tax break worth $40 million on jet fuel.

Michael Hammond is a lawyer for Gun Owners of America. He pointed out that the 2^nd Amendment won’t mean much if banks won’t finance gun makers and retailers won’t sell the products. It’s a backhanded way to get around the law.

Mike Crapo is a Senator for Idaho. He said that banks shouldn’t try to replace legislators. Many in the industry are calling for legislation that would protect them from business discrimination.

Legal Issues

Many wonder how this might differ from such a case as the baker who refused to cater for a homosexual wedding. Should the government enforce anti-discrimination? Or should companies have the freedom to do business with anyone they wish to?