Marion P. Hammer Sues NRA: A Landmark Case
TALLAHASSEE, FL — In a striking legal development, Marion P. Hammer, a prominent advocate for gun rights and the National Rifle Association’s (NRA) first female president, has initiated a federal lawsuit against the NRA. She alleges betrayal after dedicating over 45 years to the organization, claiming it breached her contract and is unlawfully using her name and image.
Details of the Lawsuit
Hammer’s suit highlights several critical allegations:
- Breach of Contract: Hammer states that the NRA violated a binding agreement signed in 2018. This contract was intended to ensure her continued involvement as a national advisor during her transition to retirement, with an increased salary of $220,000 annually. This amount was still lower than offers made by anti-gun entities that sought to silence her.
- Retaliation and Purging: The lawsuit claims that the NRA is trying to erase Hammer’s contributions by removing her from leadership positions and her membership.
- Unauthorized Use of Identity: Despite the severance of ties, Hammer asserts that the NRA continues to utilize her name and likeness for fundraising efforts without her consent.
- Donation Mismanagement: Hammer alleges that donations she made to the NRA Foundation’s Women’s Leadership Forum were mishandled, with at least one check improperly deposited into a general account.
- Financial and Emotional Distress: Hammer claims she is now reliant solely on Social Security for income, lacking any retirement support after her extensive contributions to the NRA.
The Background
Hammer’s influence on gun legislation is significant, having played a crucial role in enacting Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” law and establishing the Eddie Eagle GunSafe program, which has educated over 28 million children on gun safety.
“She gave her life to defending the NRA and the Second Amendment, and now they’re trying to erase her,” stated her attorney concerning Hammer’s commitment to the organization.
Objectives of the Legal Action
In her lawsuit, Hammer seeks the following remedies:
- Full back pay per her contract terms.
- Compensation for the unauthorized use of her image and name.
- Pursuit of punitive damages.
- Reimbursement for legal fees.
- An injunction to prevent the NRA from utilizing her identity in any promotional activities.
Implications of the Lawsuit
This legal confrontation not only puts Hammer’s legacy on trial but also raises vital questions about loyalty, accountability, and how organizations treat their long-time supporters. Regardless of the court’s ruling, this case marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding gun rights and organizational ethics.
As the proceedings unfold, the outcome will be closely monitored to determine its impact on the NRA and the broader gun rights movement.
MARION P. HAMMER vs. NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA
