Florida lawmakers look to allow guns at churches

TALLAHASSEE — The Florida House and Senate have started moving forward with measures that would allow people with concealed-weapons licenses to carry guns on the grounds of churches and other religious institutions that include schools.

But a Senate proposal (SB 1048) approved Thursday by the Judiciary Committee would prohibit firearm possession during hours when schools or day-care centers are operating.

Also, two South Florida Republicans, who have teamed with Democrats to block other pro-gun measures in recent years, sought assurances from bill sponsor Dennis Baxley, R-Ocala, that he won’t continue to advance the proposal if the school-hour requirement is altered. The requirement was added as an amendment to the bill Thursday.

Baxley, who along with other supporters say churchgoers need to be able to defend themselves from violence, indicated he will try to avoid changes in the bill.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/political-pulse/os-guns-at-churches-20180125-story.html