Guns in Church Case goes to Federal Appeals Court

From: Gainesville Times

{For decades people have argued over gun rights.

That battle continues to rage in the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals where the gun-rights group GeorgiaCarry.org is hoping to persuade a three-judge panel that a Georgia law banning guns in "places of worship" interferes with the First Amendment guarantee of freedom of religion. Only Georgia, Mississippi, Arkansas and North Dakota prohibit firearms in churches, synagogues and mosques.}

Article

Louisiana House to Debate Bills to Allow Guns in Church

"BATON ROUGE, La. -- Concealed weapons would be allowed inside churches, synagogues or mosques -- if the religious leaders agree -- under a bill headed to the House floor for debate. The measure sponsored by Rep. Henry Burns, R-Haughton, passed out of the House Criminal Justice Committee in an 8-3 vote Wednesday."

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This is a good article to remind us that laws differ state to state. It is important for your to become familiar with your states local regulations. Can a parishioner legally carry a gun into your facility? What rights does the church have in your state to allow or restrict these types of activities? You may be surprised what you find out...

Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2009

S. 1132
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) include Amtrak and executive branch police officers as federal law enforcement officers eligible to carry concealed firearms; and (2) revise requirements for certifying retired law enforcement officers to carry concealed firearms, including reducing the years of service required for such officers from 15 to 10 years and setting forth requirements relating to mental health certifications.
Read The Bill: S. 1132 - GovTrack.us

H.R. 3752
Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act Improvements Act of 2009 - Amends the federal criminal code to: (1) expand the definition of "law enforcement officers," for purposes of provisions authorizing such officers to carry concealed weapons, to include current and retired law enforcement officers of the Amtrak Police Department, the Federal Reserve System, the executive branch, and the Armed Forces; (2) allow law enforcement officers who are retired or who separated in good standing after at least ten years of service to carry a concealed weapon; and (3) expand the categories of law enforcement officers authorized to possess a fireman in a school zone to include retired law enforcement officers.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-3752 


If passed these Bill's will bring improvements for both retired law enforcement officers and "separated" law enforcement officers in relation to being able to carry concealed weapons throughout the country. This may be a benefit to your church and security team when attempting to recruit qualified members to serve with you.