Sen. Barry Loudermilk, R-Cassville, wants to let churches resolve the question of whether people with permits to carry concealed weapons can bring guns when they come to worship God.
Loudermilk's Senate Bill 98 would forbid carrying firearms in places such as prisons and county courthouses, but it would leave the question up to individual property owners to ban carrying weapons and also would open up the carrying to pretty much anywhere else, including the Capitol.
Loudermilk explained after the bill passed the state Senate 43-10 that he was concerned about staff members walking to their cars during the evenings. He wants them to be able to defend themselves, if necessary.
Republican have loosened restrictions on where people with permits can carry guns in the past four years. Owners can now carry in places where they were formerly banned, such as public parks or on public transit. Churches are restricted areas. Loudermilk's bill must go to the House for approval.
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