Arkansas House Okays Guns in Church
By: Staff
Updated: February 4, 2013
Arkansas churches are now one step closer to deciding whether to allow guns inside their buildings.
By a vote of 85-8 the House of Representatives gives churches the option whether to allow handguns in their sanctuary.
The bill would only allow those with carry conceal permits to do so, provided the church decides it wants guns.
The senate bill sponsor, Senator Bryan King, says instances of church violence are unfortunate reminders pastors need protection.
On the house side, Representative Nate Bell says the legislation allows churches to protect themselves without having to pay for private security.
"its time for us as politicians to get our collective noses out of the affairs of churches and to allow the churches themselves to make their own theological decisions."
By a vote of 85-8 the House of Representatives gives churches the option whether to allow handguns in their sanctuary.
The bill would only allow those with carry conceal permits to do so, provided the church decides it wants guns.
The senate bill sponsor, Senator Bryan King, says instances of church violence are unfortunate reminders pastors need protection.
On the house side, Representative Nate Bell says the legislation allows churches to protect themselves without having to pay for private security.
"its time for us as politicians to get our collective noses out of the affairs of churches and to allow the churches themselves to make their own theological decisions."
