Gun Control Advocates Decry Louisiana's New Law Allowing Churchgoers to Pack Heat(LA)

Fox News ^ | 8 July, 2010 | Stephen Clark

[marktwain]

Gun control supporters are up in arms over Louisiana's new law allowing churchgoers to pack heat along with their Bibles. Gov. Bobby Jindal gave his blessing this week to churches, synagogues and mosques to allow concealed handguns on their premises, overturning a state ban. "The governor's position on the Second Amendment is not new," Jindal spokesman Kyle Plotkin said in a written statement to FoxNews.com. "He sides with the constitutional rights of law-abiding gun owners." Supporters of the measure say it can be a deterrent against criminal activity in church and will give an option to ministers and pastors to incorporate concealed handguns into their security plans. Opponents argue it's inappropriate to have concealed handguns in church. Places of worship that invite concealed guns will have to inform their members of the decision and anyone wishing to carry one will have to take an extra eight hours of tactical training each year – a requirement that doesn't mollify gun opponents. "The question Louisiana residents need to be asking themselves is: Is someone who takes a single eight-hour class fit to defend themselves should a crisis situation arise in the church?," said Ladd Everitt, a spokesman for the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence. "We would say no." Everitt said violent crimes should be handled by police officers, who have extensive training with firearms.

[marktwain]

I thought the anti-freedom types were for property rights, where the property owner decided to allow guns or not. It is apparent that they have no principles other than increasing government control and decreasing individual responsibility. By restricting guns from churches, they are trampling on property rights, freedom of religion, and the right to keep and bear arms.

I think most states do not restrict guns from churches by law. What possible reason is there to do so, other than to restrict peoples rights?

[MEGoody]

I agree - the state should keep their nose out of it. If an individual church wants to ask its members not to bring weapons to the church, that’s their choice, but it should not be the business of government.

[muawiyah]

How quickly the Far Leftwingtards forget that their baby killer, Teller, was shot down in church ~ which was quite possibly the only place he ever went without carrying his gun!

[umgud]

violent crimes should be handled by police officers, who show up afterwards and draw those neat little chalk lines around your body.

[Turbo Pig]

Great article at American Vision.org on the history of the relationship of firearms and the Church in America:

“Bring Your Pieces to Church” Sunday

[Dayman]

I used to always carry in church back when I went. When churches accept tax exempt status they give up some of their property rights, not to mention their right to preach against certain pollitical issues.

If they are going to prohibit the carrying of arms in a church then they should be prepared to be responsible and liable for the safety of all the people within.

[B4Ranch]

I sent it to fox news.com

[Mogollon]

Nutcases that want to kill a lot of people will invariable go where they think their victims will be unarmed. A school, church, library, etc.....

[Mogollon]

invariable = invariably