Mississippi Governor Signs Law Allowing Armed Church Members

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant delivers his first State of the State address Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 on the steps of the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. Bryant used the address to unveil detailed policy proposals, from educat... Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant delivers his first State of the State address Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 on the steps of the Capitol in Jackson, Miss. Bryant used the address to unveil detailed policy proposals, from education to health care to energy, saying he wants to create a "Mississippi Works Agenda." (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis) MORE LESS
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JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Gov. Phil Bryant has signed into law a bill that allows some members of churches to undergo firearms training so they can provide armed security for their congregations.

The Church Protection Act specifies that those designated can carry guns into church buildings. It also allows people to carry holstered weapons without a permit.

Republican State Representative Andy Gipson of Braxton says the law gives small congregations an option to defend themselves against attack. He proposed the bill as a response to the slayings last year of nine people at a church in Charleston, South Carolina.

The Mississippi Association of Police Chiefs has opposed the portion of the bill that loosens permit requirements. The group says it dismantles Mississippi’s licensing system and makes it harder to check someone who has a gun isn’t a violent criminal.

Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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  1. Mississippi: Wallowing in guns and hatred since always.

  2. is this so that when the discussion about who is more pious and which interpretation of a cherry picked scripture turns heated then might makes right?

  3. And guns are double plus good when you are out proselytizing! The old ways are still the best don’t ya know!

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