i just can't think of a better combination than guns and bars...
Gun carry rights expanded in Ga. under new law
By CHRISTINA A. CASSIDY
3 hours ago
ELLIJAY, Ga. (AP) —
Criticized by one group as the "guns everywhere" bill, Georgia took a
big step Wednesday toward expanding where licensed carriers can take
their weapons, with the governor signing a law that allows them in bars
without restriction and in some churches, schools and government
buildings under certain circumstances.
Following mass
shootings in recent years, some states have pursued stronger limits on
guns while others like Georgia have taken the opposite path, with
advocates arguing that people should be allowed to carry weapons as an
issue of public safety. Republicans control large majorities in the
Georgia General Assembly, and the bill passed overwhelming despite
objections from some religious leaders and local government officials.A
few hundred gun rights supporters gathered at an outdoor pavilion along
a river in north Georgia in the town of Ellijay for the bill signing by
Gov. Nathan Deal and a barbecue. Many sported "Stop Gun Control"
buttons and several had weapons holstered at their side. House Speaker
David Ralston offered a thinly veiled critique of those who might oppose
the bill while describing the people of his district."This is
the apple capital of Georgia. And, yes, it's a community where we cling
to our religion and our guns," Ralston said, drawing big applause in
referencing a past comment made by President Barack Obama.The
bill makes several changes to state law and takes effect July 1. Besides
in bars without restrictions, guns could be brought into some
government buildings that don't have certain security measures, such as
metal detectors or security guards screening visitors. Religious leaders
would have the final say as to whether guns can be carried into their
place of worship.And school
districts would now be able, if they choose, to allow some employees to
carry a firearm on school grounds under certain conditions.
"This bill is about the
good guys, you guys," bill sponsor Rep. Rick Jasperse, R-Jasper, told
the crowd. "Amid all the misinformation and emotions, one must remember
that this bill isn't about irresponsibly arming the masses. This is a
bill about safety and responsibility."Opponents,
however, include Americans for Responsible Solutions, a group
co-founded by former Democratic Arizona Congresswoman Gabby Giffords,
who survived a shooting in 2011 and started a nationwide campaign on gun
control. The group's executive director Pia Carusone on its website
said, "the bill is extremism in action; it moves Georgia out of the
mainstream."The Georgia
Municipal Association also was among those raising concerns, sending a
letter to Deal arguing local governments couldn't afford to increase
security. Deal, in his remarks, argued the bill empowers local
decisions."House Bill 60 will
protect law-abiding citizens by expanding the number of places that
they can carry their guns without penalty, while at the same time this
bill respects the rights of private property owners who still set the
rules for their land and their buildings," Deal said.That would include bar owners, who could post that firearms are not permitted in their establishments.
In Vienna, a city of about
4,000 residents south of Macon, it would cost $60,000 annually to
increase security at city buildings, said Mayor Pro Tem Beth English.
English, president of the Georgia Municipal Association, said she
supports gun rights and has a carry permit but worries the added
security costs will force the city to increase taxes."Do
we raise taxes to provide the police protection or do we take the risk
of potential injury to our public?" English said, noting emotions
sometimes run high at city hall.Some
religious leaders also opposed the law, saying it will increase
confusion. Under it, the assumption is still that guns aren't allowed
unless otherwise noted. The law adds a provision, however, that those in
violation cannot be arrested or fined more than $100 if they have a
valid permit."This is the gun
lobby foisting their agenda on churches, and I think it's a tragic
violation of church and state," said the Rev. Raphael G. Warnock of
Ebenezer Baptist Church.It's unclear whether any school districts plan to take advantage of the new law, but proponents hope it will deter violence.