New Arkansas law permits concealed firearms in churches

CWN - February 07, 2013

By lopsided margins of 85-8 in the state house and 28-4 in the state senate, the Arkansas legislature has passed a law allowing churches to permit the presence of concealed weapons.

“In the previous law, people with a concealed-carry license could not carry in church,” the bill’s sponsor explained. “Now, this just allows each church to make their own individual decision.”

The Catholic Diocese of Little Rock joined the local bishop of the Episcopal Church in opposing the measure, according to press accounts.

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Show 3 Comments? (Hidden)Hide Comments
  • Posted by: impossible - Feb. 08, 2013 1:12 PM ET USA

    I will wager that those who want their sanctuary to be known as a gun free zone would never put a sign in front of their own home announcing that it was a gun-free zone.

  • Posted by: MAG - Feb. 07, 2013 11:04 AM ET USA

    I don't understand the opposition. This is an application of subsidiarity.

  • Posted by: DrJazz - Feb. 07, 2013 10:41 AM ET USA

    It would have made more sense for the Diocese to say nothing about the measure. After it passed, the Diocese could (and now can) set its own policy of "no guns in Church." Why be seen as a political ally of the Episcopalians any more than is absolutely necessary?

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