Here is what everyone needs to remember about this issue:
Yes, FFL holders can choose to deny selling a firearm but not for any reason. An FFL holder cannot deny selling a firearm to a minority based upon the color of their skin because the law (federal and state) says that is discrimination because the potential customer's racial status is a protected class. Age is also a protected class so you cannot deny a person based upon age. In real life these denials occur but are justified by using an alternative basis for the denial. Typically, there is no written policy when the denial occurs on a case by case basis so age or racial discrimination is only proven by factual evidence and circumstances. Dick's problem is that they have a written policy stating they are denying sales based on age where otherwise the person would be legally able to purchase the item. I agree that this is a problem for Dick's and they do have liability exposure.
Yes, FFL holders can choose to deny selling a firearm but not for any reason. An FFL holder cannot deny selling a firearm to a minority based upon the color of their skin because the law (federal and state) says that is discrimination because the potential customer's racial status is a protected class. Age is also a protected class so you cannot deny a person based upon age. In real life these denials occur but are justified by using an alternative basis for the denial. Typically, there is no written policy when the denial occurs on a case by case basis so age or racial discrimination is only proven by factual evidence and circumstances. Dick's problem is that they have a written policy stating they are denying sales based on age where otherwise the person would be legally able to purchase the item. I agree that this is a problem for Dick's and they do have liability exposure.
