Two dozen Republican attorneys general are demanding
The attorneys general sent a letter to the three credit card companies Tuesday saying the new merchant category code violates consumers' constitutional right to privacy.
"The new code will not protect public safety," the letter said. "Categorizing the constitutionally protected right to purchase firearms unfairly singles out law-abiding merchants and consumers alike."
Earlier this month,
The code, which is a four-digit number that credit card companies use to classify businesses, would apply to all purchases at gun and ammunition stores, but would not apply to similar purchases at other retailers.
"Generating a 'list of gun buyers' creates the obvious risk that law-abiding consumers' information will be leaked, discovered, hacked or otherwise obtained and misused by those who oppose Americans exercising their Second Amendment rights," said the letter signed first by
Other attorneys general to sign the letter are from
The attorneys general warned the credit card companies will face legal action if they fail to protect consumers.
"We are further concerned that financial institutions that place their desired public policy outcomes ahead of the well-being of their investors do so in derogation of their fiduciary obligations," the letter said. "Be advised that we will marshal the full scope of our lawful authority to protect our citizens and consumers from unlawful attempts to undermine their constitutional rights."
The ISO's decision comes after lobbying from
"When it comes to guns falling in the wrong hands, we must find upstream solutions before we're faced with downstream consequences - because downstream consequences are lost lives,"
On Saturday, a dozen
Tuesday's letter, which copies President
"Social policy should be debated and determined within our political institutions. Americans are tired of seeing corporate leverage used to advance political goals that cannot muster basic democratic support," the letter said.
"The Second Amendment is a fundamental right, but it's also a fundamental American value. Our financial institutions should stop lending their market power to those who wish to attack that value."
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