More than 400 lines into the National Rifle Association-sponsored bill called the “Mississippi Church Protection Act” is a clause that would allow citizens to carry pistols or revolvers on a belt or shoulder holster or in a concealed container without first obtaining a permit. This clause does not mention being at a place or worship. The state law currently requires concealed weapon owners to obtain a concealed carry permit. The law also requires that concealed weapon owners must be checked for drug abuse, mental illness, and felony convictions before obtaining a permit. These three factors would all prevent the permit from being issued. According to an NRA statement, Mississippi will be the ninth state to adopt legislation that allows law-abiding adults to carry concealed pistols or revolvers for personal protection. The bill must be signed by Governor Bryant. According to the NRA, Mississippi will be the ninth country state with unrestricted concealed carrying laws. Other states include Alaska, Arizona Idaho, Kansas Maine Vermont West Virginia, Wyoming, West Virginia, West Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Montana. Opponents of the legislation, which would allow members to carry weapons inside worship venues and churches, claim that concealed carry provisions are deliberately hidden in the bill so citizens and lawmakers don’t notice it. Only two legislators discussed concealed carry in the chambers during March’s House and Senate debates. Ken Winter, executive director of Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police, stated that “the church stuff is absolutely an NRA front to get this concealed carrying deal passed. And they stuck it so deeply in that bill so nobody would catch it.” “Anyone can carry a gun with them. We want to ensure our officers return home safely every night. This bill is a serious threat to that goal. Winter stated that he expressed concern to lawmakers in February when he heard about the bill. He claimed that he spoke with Lt. Governor in March. Tate Reeves (R-Florence) and Senate Judiciary A Chair Sean Tindell (R-Gulfport), discussed the legislation. Tindell and Tate Reeves could not be reached Friday. Rep. William Tracy Arnold (R-Booneville), was one of the bill’s sponsors. He said that he had spoken with the NRA before it was passed in the House. Arnold stated that he didn’t object to the law and that local law enforcement in (Booneville), doesn’t seem to have any problems with it. “Citizens have a constitutional right to be arm, and I fully support it.” Gov. Phil Bryant has signed the bill, which would allow members of churches or other places of worship to have weapons and legal protection if they discharge their weapon inside. According to the bill, members who want to carry weapons inside churches need to obtain an enhanced permit. They also have to be recorded in official church records. The law would allow members to carry guns inside churches without restrictions. It also applies to other activities such as child care and school. The bill was opposed by 49 lawmakers, including 35 from the House and 14 from the Senate. However, the discussion on both floors was focused on church guns. Arnold, a senior pastor of The Vineyard Church, Booneville, stated that he often keeps a gun in his church as protection. There is also a security team within the church. Arnold stated that in the current world, people are able to enter churches and shoot people simply because they don’t agree with their beliefs. “If someone comes into a church shooting it’s only fair for people to be in a position to protect themselves.” You can support this work by making a regular donation today to celebrate our Spring Member Drive. Our reporters give a human face to policy and the lives of Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.