WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Supreme Court is refusing to block enforcement of Illinois’ assault weapons ban, even though a full appeal to the high court now seems imminent.

Capitol News Illinois reports the court issued two unsigned orders this week rejecting requests to block enforcement of the law while legal challenges work their way through lower courts.

On Wednesday, the court turned down a request by Republican State Representative Dan Caulkins and other gun rights advocates who lost their challenge to the law in August at the Illinois Supreme Court.

And Thursday, the court turned down a different request by the National Association for Gun Rights, a group that is challenging both the statewide ban and a local ordinance in Naperville.

The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago said this week it would not reconsider its earlier decision upholding the law. The head of the N-A-G-R said after that ruling that it is preparing for a full appeal to the Supreme Court.