A conservative advocacy group in the U.S. became the first group Tuesday to sue to block President Barack Obama’s executive order calling for more background checks for gun buyers.

Freedom Watch, which frequently contests actions taken by the Democratic president, contends that Obama did not have the legal authority to expand the government’s background checks absent congressional action on the controversial issue.

Gun ownership is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. Congress has rebuffed attempts to tighten gun control laws in the country, even after numerous mass killings. Gun advocates say that stiffer laws will not keep criminals from securing weapons and only serve to inconvenience law-abiding citizens when they buy guns.

Obama’s order earlier this month drew predictable reactions in the U.S., with gun ownership advocates saying he did not have the authority to expand the background checks, while gun control supporters applauded his action.

Source: VOA [xyz-ihs snippet=”Adsense-responsive”]

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