Parts of Louisiana are Underwater: Hurricane Isaac

I Just came across this picture of a church that is flooded in Louisiana from Hurricane Isaac. This is bring back memories from Hurricane Katrina...

Picture from: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57502825/isaac-weakens-but-parts-of-louisiana-are-underwater/

Louisiana Governor Signs Church Gun Law

"Louisiana GOP Gov. Bobby Jindal has signed a law allowing holders of concealed-weapons permits to carry guns into houses of worship.

The bill, signed Tuesday night, allows permit holders who take an additional eight hours of tactical training each year to bring a gun into “any church, synagogue, mosque or other similar place of worship.”

Click for Article

Louisiana Church Gun Bill Back on Table Again!

"BATON ROUGE -- The Senate revived legislation Tuesday that would allow congregants to carry concealed weapons on church property as part of a security force.

Senators voted 22-9 for the heavily amended House Bill 1272 by Rep. Henry Burns, R-Haughton, sending it back to the House for another vote.

Officials of the religious institution must notify congregants of the security plan and that concealed weapons are being carried. The information must be publicly announced or published in a newsletter or bulletin.

The amended bill would prohibit carrying weapons into a church on school property, and would require eight hours of annual tactical training as well as passing the concealed weapons course and background checks for the armed members."

Click for Full Article

Click to Read full Version of the Bill

Louisiana Gun Bill Dies in Senate

BATON ROUGE, La., June 8 (UPI) -- "Louisiana legislation that would have allowed people to carry guns into churches as an unofficial security force died in committee Tuesday, officials said...The bill would have authorized whoever is in charge of a house of worship -- a church, synagogue, mosque or other such facility -- to name individuals who are qualified to carry the weapons, the Times-Picayune said."

Click for Article

House of Worship Gun Bill Passed in Louisiana

"Guns should be allowed in houses of worship as a way to protect congregants from attacks, if the pastor or head of the religious body approves, lawmakers said Wednesday… Burns said the bill is "a matter of choice" and leaves it up to each synagogue, mosque or church to decide whether to implement it. "

Click for Article

This bill was defeated in its original form earlier this month; however, a few changes were made and it has now passed the Louisiana House. This is a big win for churches in Louisiana who are wishing to implement a security team. Other states may have similar laws and this will help provide president for those states to use to their benefit. It is important to note that many states already allow for weapons to be carried in Houses of Worship with proper credentials.

Church armed-security measure fails to pass House (Louisiana)

"The House (Louisiana) failed Thursday to pass a bill to allow those who have qualified to carry concealed weapons to tote them to their places of worship as part of a sanctioned security detail..."Times have changed," Burns said, referring to shootings at houses of worship in recent years....He said his bill is designed to give church officials a chance to allow weapons at their worship sites as a way of protecting innocent worshipers from criminals."

Click to Read Story

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."

Click to Read Article

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...