Controversial House Bill 1272 authored by Rep. Henry Burns R-Haughton was recently signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal and will go into effect as of August 15. The bill was passed by the Louisiana Senate by a margin of 22-9, with 8 members absent at the time of the vote. The newly enacted law will empower churches, synagogues, and mosques to employ armed security guards who are either certified law enforcement officers or who are authorized to carry concealed handguns as a means of securing the facility and its parishioners so that they can safely conduct their religious ceremonies. In addition to meeting all the criteria for a concealed weapons permit, qualified candidates who are selected for security details are required to complete an additional eight hours of tactical training each year in order to remain certified as armed security personnel for their respective church, synagogue, and/or mosque.
The bill also extends the permit’s maximum valid term from four to five years, at a cost of twenty-five dollars per year, in addition to the permit remaining valid in all parishes statewide.
In the opinion of the author, this is a great piece of legislation that has the potential to stem the tide of predatory violence that has been perpetrated against unarmed congregations in the past decade. Unlike our President, who once arrogantly commented on the campaign trail about bitter Americans who “cling to their guns or religion”, the author believes the two (guns and religion) can and should exist in harmony and that both are pivotal to securing a nation that is free from tyranny. Louisianans should thank Gov. Jindal for signing this measure because it may prevent a massacre such as the senseless tragedy that was committed against a small Amish church in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania that was the inspiration for Lifetime Movie Network’s Amish Grace.
Comments
Yes, this is such a wonderful idea that Rep. Burns couldn't even get it out of a Senate committee when it was proposed as a stand alone bill. He had to resort to slipping it in as an amendment to an existing gun bill just to get this passed.
And you know why? Because he presented zero proof that this was even necessary. There's no evidence of any widespread violence directed at churches in Louisiana. If there was, then it would be the police's job to handle it.
Even if there were some evidence of widespread violence, instead of resorting to the foolish and contradictory idea of having the congregation pack heat (after going through a mere eight hours of training), the churches should hire police detail. And that should be their only option.
(CBS/AP) A man opened fire Sunday morning at a church hitting five people, four of them fatally before abducting his wife, whom he later shot to death at another location, authorities said.
Church members wept as they watched investigators examine evidence and search for clues.
The suspect, Anthony Bell, 25, of Baton Rouge, was captured at an apartment complex near the church. Three children abducted with the woman were all found safe.
"This is going to be one of the worst days in the history of our city," Police Chief Jeff Leduff said after Bell was captured and his wife's body was found at the apartment complex. Her name and those of the other victims were not immediately released.
Bell is accused of shooting five people at the church before fleeing, Sgt. Charles Armstrong said.
First, HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOMEY!!!
Second, to Ken who says there is no evidence of violence against churches, arson on churches is common place with 9 being burned to the ground in just one week.
I suggest a little thing called google and I suggest opening your closed secular-progressive and partisan mind.
Texas Arson Spree: 10 Churches Burned This Year
Recall that something very similar to this happened back in 2006 when three college aged men went on an arson spree in Alabama. In that case, the students said the arson spree began as a “joke” and authorities were quick to say there was no religious motive. However, it later came out that the group were self-described “Satanists.” Just because authorities downplay a religious motive doesn’t mean there isn’t one.
christiannewswire.com/news/235859133.html
To Martin: we live in Louisiana. You cited absolutely zero examples of church violence in this state. States make laws based on the problems they're experiencing, not based on the problems of others. Maybe you should try a little thing called understanding how government works.
To Barbie: you actually cited one example, just one, but like Martin, the author,and Rep. Burns you didn't address why the churches couldn't just hire police detail if there ever was a problem of church violence in this state, which there's not.
Ken, I disagree with you. Oftentimes legislation is indeed reactionary based on specific problems, however, there is absolutely nothing wrong with being proactive in some cases (of which this is certainly one). Churches collect thousands of dollars in cash donations each week which makes them an obvious target for predators seeking to prey upon those who are unarmed or are unprepared. And as far as the church hiring police details, send me your credit and debit card info so I can pass it on to my pastor and recommend it as a viable alternative to having a private, volunteer, and plain clothed security detail (which is comprised of people the man knows, trusts, and can rely on) since you are so eager to see your version of the plan implemented.
Let them pay for the police detail through the $1000 collection plate you mentioned. But they won't have to do that because as i said, and as you admit - there's no problem of violence.
Laws this extreme shouldn't be made based on potential threats, especially when they're imgainary. In the end, those laws usually die in committees like the original version of this bill did. And besides guns and religion don't mix. Ask Jesus. When they do tend to mix in Arab states overseas, we tend to call those people terrorists.
Ken, one thing you miss in this is the fact that many churches partner with not-for profit faith-based organizations that empower people who are bound by addictions and/or empoverished. Part of the program is to help them feel welcomed in our churches in an effort to help them rehabilitate and overcome their problems. Having armed, uniformed police officers will not bode well for those efforts. But I respect your opinion and you are certainly entitled to it my friend.
To Ken
Your denial of hate crimes against Christians is as laughable as the Iranian president's denial of the Holocaust.
Last 10-day's crimes against Christian organizations:
7/6/10-Chambers County, AL: Eight area churches burglarized
7/6/10-Prescott Valley, AZ: Two men arrested on charges of burglarizing church
7/6/10-Waterbury, CT: Police: Priest Used Parish Money For Hotels, Male Escorts
7/5/10-Hampton, VA: Police release image of suspect in Hampton church burglary
7/5/10-St. Helens, OR: Vandals strike St. Helens businesses: arson reported at local church and residences
7/4/10-Lynn, MA: Vandals topple Lynn gravestones
7/4/10-Royal Oak, MI: Police: Man broke into church, stole documents
7/4/10-Fairfield, CT: Fairfield Churches Report Thefts of Metal
7/4/10-Dodge County, GA: Dodge County Sheriff's deputies called to Macedonia Baptist Church
7/3/10-Albany, GA: Trooper foils robbery
7/3/10-Santa Rosa, CA: Arrest in Santa Rosa church break-in, arson
7/3/10-Reno, NV: Reno
To Martin Murphy: Robbery constitutes a "Hate Crime"? Makes me pause and think of all of the hate crimes committed against banks and convenience stores. And taxi drivers. And the hate crimes those pirates continue to commit against those luxury cruise liners. Makes one wonder how anyone could hate a carnival cruise? It's a party on water. Stupid haters.
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