ATLANTA (AP) — A federal appeals court is considering whether to uphold a Florida law that restricts doctors from discussing gun ownership with patients.
The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments Tuesday on a lawsuit challenging the 2011 law.
The lawsuit, filed by doctors, medical organizations and other groups, says the law infringes on doctors’ free-speech rights.
Supporters of the restrictions law, including the National Rifle Association, say doctors overstep their bounds by pushing an anti-gun political agenda in the examination room.
The law was overturned once before by a federal judge in Florida in 2012. A three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit reversed that ruling.
The full 11th Circuit tossed out the panel’s decision and agreed that all 11 judges would consider the case.
The law has been on hold pending the outcome of the legal challenge.
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