Missouri House advances bill for guns on buses, in churches
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri lawmakers are advancing a sweeping firearms bill that would allow concealed guns on public transportation and in churches.
The Republican-led House on Monday gave initial approval to the bill in a voice vote.
Currently, people need permission to bring firearms into places of religious worship. The bill would allow people with concealed carry permits to bring guns in churches, synagogues and mosques regardless.
Another provision in the bill would ensure that gun stores are considered essential businesses. That means state and cities couldn’t order them closed during emergencies such as the coronavirus pandemic.
I always appreciated the policy in effect at Christ’s Chapel where JimT used to preach. On the other hand, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy has been effective for quite a while in areas not protected by armed guards and metal detectors.
We liked for people who carried to let us know, so we could seat them to cover any defilades.
And it helps to know where friendly weapons are likely to pop up in time of need. My reference to “don’t ask, don’t tell” was more due to the hoplophobic idiocy of some groups – though why one would want to go to such a place of worship is beyond me.