Gov. Sonny Perdue said Monday that he believes guns should be allowed in the nonsecure areas of Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, but said the issue is likely to be settled in court.

Perdue said his "lay opinion" is that a new state law allows guns in the airport's parking lots, atrium and all areas before the security gates.

Asked whether it was his opinion that it was a good idea to allow guns at the airport, Perdue said yes.

"If my wife wanted to carry a gun, if she was walking from one of those far parking lots to pick up a grandchild or something like that, I think that's a good idea, yes," he said.

A state law that took effect July 1 allows people who pass background checks to carry concealed weapons on public transportation, in state parks and in restaurants that serve alcohol.

But the question of whether that extends to parts of the airport is the subject of a federal lawsuit.

The day the gun law took effect, airport officials threatened to arrest a state legislator who said he planned to bring a handgun to the airport when he went there to pick up visitors.

Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta said guns in the airport would violate another state law that bans firearms at "public gatherings, " and said they would have police arrest anyone bringing a firearm to the airport.

The gun-rights group GeorgiaCarry.org is suing the city of Atlanta and the airport over restrictions on firearms in the terminal. They've asked a federal judge for a temporary order stopping officials from arresting anyone caught with a weapon. A hearing is set for Aug. 11.