Wal-Mart wins bid over shareholders seeking tighter gun sales

When shareholders gather in Fayetteville June 5, they will not hear a proposal that sought director oversight on certain gun sales at the mass retailer, according to a federal appeals court ruling on Tuesday (April 14).

The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia lifted an injunction imposed late last year by U.S. District Judge Leonard Stark that would have required a shareholder vote regarding more oversight on gun sales at the retail giant.The court is to issue a formal opinion in the next few days on their ruling.

The proposal by Trinity Church in downtown Manhattan would have required Wal-Mart's board to more closely examine the sale of products that might endanger public safety, hurt Wal-Mart's reputation or offend "family and community values" integral to the retailer's brand.

Trinity has said these products might include guns with clips holding more than 10 rounds, a type it said "enabled" mass killings in Newtown, Connecticut and Aurora, Colo.

Wal-Mart spokesman Randy Hargrove told The City Wire the court of appeals “reached the right decision in reversing the district court’s ruling. We appreciate the court’s quick consideration of the issues.”