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The Arkansas House of Representatives has overwhelmingly passed a measure that would allow concealed guns to be carried in churches and houses of worship, and the governor’s office says it plans to sign the bill.
The measure, which passed 85-8 on Monday, gives houses of worship the option of allowing concealed weapons.
Passed by the state Senate in an equally lopsided 28-4 vote last week, the bill states it is “immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health, and safety” because “personal security is increasingly important
Ordinance No. 67 enacted August 14th 1882 specified that no one could “carry concealed or otherwise about his or her person, any pistol, bowie knife, slung shot or other dangerous or deadly weapons, except County, City, or United Sates Officers” and raised the fine from twenty-five dollars to one hundred dollars, no small amount in 1882.
The Dodge City Times declared: “There is a disposition to do away with the carrying of firearms, and we hope the feeling will become general. The carrying of firearms is a barbarous custom, and it’s time the practice was broken up.”
In 1881 the town council passed an ordinance prohibiting the carrying of weapons in the town limits:
Ordinance No. 9 “To Provide against Carrying of Deadly Weapons” (effective April 19, 1881).
Section 1: “It is hereby declared to be unlawful for any person to carry deadly weapons, concealed or otherwise [except the same be carried openly in sight, and in the hand] within the limits of the City of Tombstone.
Section 2: This prohibition does not extend to persons immediately leaving or entering the city, who, with good faith, and within reasonable time are proceeding to deposit, or take from the place of deposit such deadly weapon.
Section 3: All fire-arms of every description, and bowie knives and dirks, are included within the prohibition of this ordinance.”
Originally posted by rickymouse
I don't think people need guns in church. If anything have the minister carry one, that will keep the church goers on their toes during sermons.
Originally posted by TKDRL
reply to post by Southern Guardian
It's taking away the "if they permit it" part I think.
The measure, which passed 85-8 on Monday, gives houses of worship the option of allowing concealed weapons.
A license does not authorize any person to carry a concealed handgun into:
Any police station.
Any Arkansas Highway Police facility.
Any buildings of the Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department, or onto any parking lots or grounds adjacent to such buildings.
Any detention facility, courthouse or courtroom.
Any portion of an establishment, except a restaurant, licensed to dispense alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises.
Any school or college or event unless for the purpose of participating in an authorized firearms-related activity.
Any polling place, meeting of a governmental body, state office building, place of worship, airport terminal or where prohibited by federal law.
Originally posted by TKDRL
reply to post by Southern Guardian
Yeah, I just read the bill itself, it's pretty short, and does seem to let the church decide. Whereas before, it was prohibited altogether
Source