Gun on the floor: Mississippi lawmaker displays pistol to protest legislation

A Mississippi lawmaker displayed his handgun and concealed carry permit at the House floor podium Thursday, then was escorted from the chamber — at his own request — to protest a gun-rights bill that has drawn fire from university leaders and the Southeastern Conference.

But a majority of the House voted (80-33) to table a holding motion on House Bill 1083, sending it on to the Senate over protests that it could endanger students, sports programs and fans.

Rep. Charles Young Jr., D-Meridian, told his colleagues "let's grow up," arguing for the House to amend or kill the bill the House passed Wednesday. To make his point, he displayed his FN pistol and his enhanced concealed carry permit. He told House Speaker Philip Gunn that he and others are violating a joint legislative rule that says no one but sworn law enforcement can carry a gun in the Capitol or House or Senate chambers.

Young cited legislative Joint Rule 37, then cited a recent Supreme Court ruling on a lawsuit against Speaker Philip Gunn saying legislative rules can "supersede state law." He then told the speaker he didn't feel safe with lawmakers having concealed weapons in the House and asked they be escorted out.

Read more: https://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/politics/2018/02/08/lawmaker-displays-gun-house-floor-protest-gun-bill/319607002/