/Senate passes bill to allow guns in church

Senate passes bill to allow guns in church

The House of Representatives authored the bill. It would require church members who want to carry weapons inside to be trained for an enhanced permit and log in official church records. The law would not limit the number of people who can carry guns inside churches, nor would it apply to other activities such as child care or school. Senator Sean Tindell (R-Gulfport) said that Mississippi churches could opt out of the law and keep guns out of their facilities. The law will take effect immediately upon its passage. Tindell, who is the chairman of the Judiciary A Committee, stated that “What I cherish and want to protect” was his relationship with God, my country, and my family. Tindell, who chairs the Judiciary A committee, said that self-defense of these things is a God-given privilege from God above. Tindell stated that the bill was written in response to the 2015 shooting at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, Charleston, S.C. Multiple senators questioned various sections of the bill during the lively floor debate. Sen. Hob Bryan (D-Amory) pressed Tindell about several provisions of the bill. Bryan specifically asked Tindell if Tindell believed that the Mississippi Constitution preempted federal orders. Tindell responded “I do,” to which a few senators gave applause. “We’re creating an issue we don’t necessarily require,” stated Sen. David Jordan (D-Greenwood). “Everyone’s going to be carrying a.45. Even the ministers. The church is an entirely different institution. “We should be in one accord there.” Senator Derrick Simmons, D. Greenville, proposed an amendment to require churches to display signage that indicates the presence of security teams from church members. He was also concerned about day care facilities in churches, such as the one his son goes to in Greenville. The amendment was rejected. Senator Angela Turner (D-West Point) gave Tindell an example of a situation where she visited a church not her own. Turner stated, “What if there were some spirited worshiping going down, members of the Armed Security Team decide to take action and we shot and killed.” My family could sue the church to claim wrongful death and prevail in court if I was killed and shot. The perceived spirit of worship might be misidentified and I would die. Isn’t this bill supposed to allow those with guns to make that determination?” Last year, Sen. Briggs Hopson (R-Vicksburg), raised concerns about churches having in place contracted security companies. Hopson asked Tindall whether this bill would give these companies the same immunity that the armed members would get under the bill. Hopson stated that while the concept is generally acceptable, some details seem to be missing. Tindell stated that he had spoken with many law enforcement agencies and committees before Tuesday’s vote. Most of them were supportive of this legislation. Tindell stated that churches should be able to take this legislation if they feel it is something they wish to do. “We have a sergeant in this chamber and he’s there to protect the body. The same rights should be available to churches.” Although the Senate committee made minor changes before Tuesday’s vote it will return to the House for concurrence. If the House members agree, the bill will be sent to the governor for signature. Details of the bill: All church members who want to carry guns must be issued a concealed carry permit or enhanced carry permit. This requires training in Mississippi. Each participating church member must be listed in the official church records, such as minutes and bylaws. If “crimes against violence” are committed within churches, law would give legal immunity to registered church members who use guns. There is no limit to the number of gun owners registered in a church as long as they have been registered in church records. This would include activities other than worship, such as day care and day school on church property.