AL: State Bill to Ban Guns in Churches

[TRX]

> Arkansas

The AR legislature repealed the prohibition on carry in churches in 2013.

This has been an issue for a couple of friends who belong to "name brand" churches, which still prohibit carry due to policies set by their national affiliations, not by the local churches.

In some states parishoners could just ignore it and carry anyway, except under Arkansas law, "no weapons" signage has the force of law.

 

[jotjackson]

If this even gets a sniff, our local leg delegation will be out of work quickly.

 

[TenDriver]

Not familiar with these two legislators, but I'm guessing they're from the BHM area.....

This won't get far. We have far too many like minded gun toters in Montgomery.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

which still prohibit carry due to policies set by their national affiliations, not by the local churches.

I don't know about other denominations but most churches around me, including where I'm a member, are Southern Baptist. While we are members of an "Association" we are autonomous in that we are free to govern ourselves and do not answer to the Association ( barring any acts of blasphemy or heresy). Each member church decides what is allowed within their walls.

 

[DeepSouth]

Not familiar with these two legislators, but I'm guessing they're from the BHM area.....

This won't get far. We have far too many like minded gun toters in the entire state....minus Birmingham

Fixed it for you.

 

[herrwalther]

Not familiar with these two legislators, but I'm guessing they're from the BHM area.....

Rep Jackson represents AL-68. Which are a handful of counties just north of Mobile. Rep Melton is for AL-67 which is the Selma area. Looks like people in those areas have some calls to make.

 

[Ankeny]

SC also bans carry in church or other established religious sanctuary unless express permission is given by the appropriate church official or governing body.

As does Republican controlled Wyoming.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

Should be up to the individual houses of worship.

Period. All I got's to say on it.

Todd.

 

[CajunBass]

A church is private property. Every one I've ever been to has been quite capable of making and enforcing their own rules, without the "help" of the government.

 

[rhinoh]

Exactly- which is why I don't see the need for the state to get involved.
If a church doesn't want to allow concealed carry then just post it- problem solved.

 

[BobTheTomato]

Keep in mind that right now in AL these signs do not have the force of law. The worst you can be asked to do is leave private property if they have a no guns sign. If this were to change there could be additional charges if you carried in church.

 

[ares338]

Simple....don't go to church.

 

[Sniper66]

It is just such behavior that has prompted legislators in Kansas to pass laws forbidding municipalities from passing "laws" and making up rules that infringe on 2A rights. I just returned from Arizona where they are refreshingly free from such nonsense.

 

[Red Wind]

No question. Arizona is a breath of fresh (sometimes hot) air. They think wisely, for the most part, in the Grand Canyon State. May they ever remain free.

 

[DHJenkins]

This is an entirely philosophical question: if you go to church because you want to go to heaven, why would you care if someone sent you there sooner rather than later?

I mean, even 100 years is nothing compared to eternity.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Simple....don't go to church.

NOT an option.

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

DHJenkins - This is an entirely philosophical question: if you go to church because you want to go to heaven, why would you care if someone sent you there sooner rather than later?

I mean, even 100 years is nothing compared to eternity.

Some of us are still working off the sins of our youth...

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Apparently the idea is to get mass murderers to come to church.

I wonder if they've thought that through?

 

[SilentStalker]

What's or best method of defense for this guys? I don't think it has any chance of going anywhere either but I would rather play it safe!

 

[jimmyraythomason]

What's or best method of defense for this

One thing to remember, this is gun friendly Alabama in the middle of the Bible belt. Alabama lawmakers learned a long time ago not to mess with guns or religion(except a few knuckleheads keep trying) here. It has cost many their cushy jobs on goat hill. We don't assume anything though and when something like this pokes it's head up, the electorate get loud!

 

[Rusty Shakleford]

"Well, you know, between all the talking in tongues and "hallelujah"-ing and passing snakes around, someone might get excited and start shooting. It's for their own protection!"

Sometimes I wonder what some people think goes on in churches...

All the churches I'm familiar with have fairly elaborate governing systems, and they deal with everything from fund raising, rents and repairs, and property management to dress codes and childcare. If the membership of any church of whatever denomination decides they don't want guns at their services, they're quite capable of making such a rule and enforcing it without the secular authorities becoming involved.

It's pretty amazing, isn't it? I mean, the ONE place (supposedly) filled with good , law abiding, moral people, and the gument wants to "protect" them from each other! At our (non denominational) church, the head pastor, assistant pastors, deacons, some members (including my wife), and even the praise/music leader are all carrying concealed....as it should be.

PS, we have a long history of "hallelujah'ing", speaking in tongues, and being slain (knocked out) in the Spirit, without a single shot fired.

And although we never will handle snakes, it would be done in good company......uncooperative rattlers wouldn't stand a chance

 

[Red Wind]

^Excellent and well said! It's good to chuckle at 2.30 AM!

 

[herrwalther]

It's pretty amazing, isn't it? I mean, the ONE place (supposedly) filled with good , law abiding, moral people, and the gument wants to "protect" them from each other! At our (non denominational) church, the head pastor, assistant pastors, deacons, some members (including my wife), and even the praise/music leader are all carrying concealed....as it should be.

Antis can turn that on its head by saying, if only good people go to church then no one needs firearms there. A smart person realizes evil can exist anywhere, even in a church.

 

[Red Wind]

The evil can come from outside the church's flock simply by walking through the door with a gun(s) blazing. Dozens can die in moments.

Evil surrounds us. It can be anywhere, at anytime. That's why we carry a gun.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Antis can turn that on its head by saying, if only good people go to church then no one needs firearms there. A smart person realizes evil can exist anywhere, even in a church.

Congregations of good, unarmed people are a temptation to bad, armed people bent on mass murder.