"This is Memphis's mistake to make and will ultimately be Memphis's mistake to pay for," said Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.

Mayor Young says he still thinks the referendum is not the best approach, but told The Daily Memphian he understands the sentiment. Gov. Lee says the referendum is about finding a way to “circumvent the law.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A Tennessee judge ruled Wednesday that three gun control questions can go on the November ballot in Memphis, even as top Republican state leaders have threatened to withhold tens of millions of dollars in state funding should city leaders put the initiative before voters.

Tennessee’s attorney general is calling Memphis’ effort to place a referendum on gun control measures in the city a “futile stunt” that could incur hefty legal fees. However, the office will not file an emergency appeal to stop them.

The state of Tennessee will not challenge the recent ruling that allows the gun referendum on Memphis ballots, according to Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti.