Gov. Bobby Jindal signed a controversial guns-in-churches bill into law yesterday, after it passed the Louisiana state legislature.
The bill would allow houses of worship to designate those with concealed weapons’ permits as part of an armed “security force,” designed to protect the rest of the congregation.
As we previously reported, state Rep. Henry Burns (R-LA) introduced the bill for “those unique situations where maybe a church can’t afford law enforcement,” but churchgoers want to protect themselves. A church is “really no safe haven,” Burns told TPM in May.
Burns added several provisions to the bill after it initially failed in the state Senate. It now requires training sessions and background checks for those looking to be part of the “security force,” and also mandates that they possess a concealed weapons permit for at least five years.
The law goes into effect on August 15.
