Bill would allow guns in private religious schools

[Heddi]

http://www.nbc-2.com/story/34958633/bill-would-allow-guns-in-private-religious-schools

FORT MYERS -
A new bill in the Florida legislature could arm teachers with guns in private religious schools.

If HB 849 passes, anyone with a concealed carry permit would legally be allowed to bring a gun into any religious institution that has a school.

Rep. Neil Combee, R-Polk City, said that if passed, it would be up to the private religious schools to decide who can carry a gun inside, just like at any private business.

He also said this is about protection of students and parishioners during church services.

"I think we need to protect the children," Combee said.

..
"This is really more about Sunday service and Wednesday service."

Combee said under current law, churches with a school attached are prohibited from gun protection, even when school isn't in session.

As for who would be allowed to carry a gun in the schools, it would be "up to the institution because it's private property and it's their policy."

That could mean a private security force or even teachers being allowed to carry.

"I have two children, and I wouldn't like it if my children were going to school and their teacher had a gun on them," Sullivan said.

"I would be OK with the private security and teachers that are vetted, thorough background checks," said Andrea Schiebe of Fort Myers.

Combee said many private religious schools don't have local law enforcement in the building because it costs too much money.

...
If passed, the bill wouldn't require any additional licensing for someone to carry a gun in a private religious school if they have a Florida concealed carry license.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. Somehow I can't see a nun named Sister Mary Ignatious packing heat.

[okasha]

2. She wouldn't need to.

When I was in sixth grade, half a dozen gang members wandered onto the campus of my Catholic school. They were chased off by one 4'8" 90-pound nun, shooing them along like a bunch of chickens with her scapular.