The names of licensed gun owners in Illinois will remain private under a measure Gov. Pat Quinn signed into law today.

The governor approved legislation to prevent Illinois State Police from releasing the names of those who hold or have applied for a Firearm Owner’s Identification card. The permits are required to legally own or purchase guns in Illinois.

Lawmakers moved to exempt gun owner information from being released under the state’s Freedom of Information Act after the Associated Press sought the names of FOID card holders earlier this year. The state police resisted, saying it would be an invasion of privacy.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan intervened, ruling the data should be made public under state law. Members of the gun lobby sued to block the release, and that’s when lawmakers stepped in.

Quinn cited safety concerns as the reason he signed the bill, saying in a statement that the law would protect gun owners "from having their personal information made public, which could make them vulnerable to potential crimes and jeopardize public safety.”

Proponents argued the bill was needed to stop the release of information that criminals could use to find gun owners and steal their weapons. They argued those who didn’t own guns might also be put in the way of harm because bad guys might target homes where they know people aren’t armed.

“This is just a common sense thing,” said sponsoring Rep. Richard Morthland, a freshman Republican from downstate Cordova. “We have freedom of information laws to protect citizens from their government, not give out private information.”

But critics contend those with permits to own guns should not be treated any differently than other license holders in the state, such as those with permission to hunt or fish, saying those are open to public review.

“Why exempt gun owners? We’re not taking away any of their rights,” said Rep. LaShawn Ford, a Democrat from Chicago who voted against the bill. “What are gun owners afraid of?”

Gun proponents were happy with Quinn’s decision to sign the bill, saying they hope his willingness to understand this issue will open the door for broader talks about gun rights in the state.

Illinois is poised to become the only state that does not allow some form of concealed carry of guns in public after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said he would sign a measure giving citizens that right. Quinn is staunchly opposed to that idea.

“We applaud the governor for taking this position,” said Todd Vandermyde, lobbyist for the National Rifle Association. “We hope that this might be the beginning of an opportunity to sit down with the governor and find some common ground moving forward.”

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