(WTNH) – A Connecticut man has filed a federal lawsuit to allow guns in state parks for protection.

On January 14, David Nastri of Cheshire filed a federal lawsuit against Katie Dykes, the commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. Nastri is challenging the constitutionality of Connecticut’s state regulation that bans carrying handguns in state parks for self-defense.

Connecticut law prohibits carrying guns, archery equipment, or other weapons in state parks and forests unless DEEP authorizes their carrying. Violation of this is punishable by a $35 fine.

The state permits the limited carrying of guns, archery and other weaponry to hunt the state parks and forests within certain specified seasons. Non-hunting members who possess valid Connecticut pistol permits are not allowed to carry handguns for self-defense.

Nastri is calling on Dykes to take immediate steps to amend the law to allow the carrying of handguns in state parks and forests for self-defense.

The lawsuit claims that this law violates the Second and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution.

A spokesperson for DEEP issued the following statement regarding the lawsuit to News 8.

“As this matter is in active litigation, DEEP cannot comment on the specifics of the complaint. DEEP remains committed to meeting the outdoor recreation needs of the public in state parks and forests and keeping all of our visitors safe.”