Opponents Speak Out Against Gun Bill Signing
Today, Governor Nathan Deal signed a sweeping bill to expand gun rights in Georgia. Opponents have dubbed it the “guns everywhere bill” and protested the signing during a press conference held at a church near the Georgia Capitol.
The bill signed by the governor will allow those with concealed carry permits to carry guns in bars and government buildings without security. It will also let churches opt-into the law and decide whether they want to allow guns on their property. Central Presbyterian Pastor Gary Charles argues it will increase the prevalence of guns in public and make Georgia less safe.
“We’re here to reject the false math that more guns create more safety. That is simply not true.”
Opponents were particularly incensed that governor Deal and other supporters celebrated the bill signing by holding a barbecue lunch in Ellijay. Kathryn Grant is co-founder of the Georgia Gun Sense Coalition.
“This is certainly not the day to host a barbecue congratulating lawmakers and others who have ignored strong bipartisan opposition to House bill 60.”
Grant and others plan to spend the next few months asking Georgians to reject those who voted for the bill and elect candidates who support what they term as common sense gun reform. Piyali Cole is with Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “There is something very rotten in Georgia politics and we intend to rout it out.”
Governor Deal says the bill strengthens Georgians’ Second Amendment rights. “This law gives added protections to those who have played by the rules – and who can protect themselves and others from those who don’t play by the rules,” said Deal.
Deal went on to say, “Our nation’s founders put the right to bear arms on par with freedom of speech and freedom of religion. Georgians cherish their Second Amendment rights, and this law embodies those values.”
The bill has received national attention from opponents like a group led by U.S. Representative Gabby Giffords. Meanwhile, the National Rifle Association has referred to the measure as the “most comprehensive pro-gun reform bill in state history.”
Most Republican state lawmakers voted for the bill. Most Democrats voted in opposition.
The bill goes into effect in July. The bill also contains language to allow school employees to carry guns in school zones and Georgia hunters to add silencers on legal firearms. It also lets those who accidentally carry guns into airport security lines to avoid local fines and jail time. However, the Transportation Security Administration could still decide to impose a penalty.
9(MDAxODM0MDY4MDEyMTY4NDA3MzI3YjkzMw004))
Top Stories
