As KGW News reported, “The divisive issue has pitted gun owners and sheriffs against reporters and the courts. Supporters claim publishing the records puts those carrying handguns in jeopardy.”
Oregon sheriffs have strongly opposed giving out such private information to the media. In fact, “Earlier in the year, sheriffs from across Oregon sent letters to handgun permit holders, warning of media attempts to publish their names,” KGW News noted. “The Medford Mail Tribune sued Jackson County last year to force release of every concealed handgun permit holder on the books. A judge agreed and demanded the list be given to the newspaper. That verdict was appealed and is now under consideration by the state appellate court.”
