House's church weapons debate turns theological

RALEIGH, N.C. — A debate over gun rights on church grounds turned theological Thursday in the state House.

House lawmakers were debating House Bill 134, titled the "Second Amendment Protection Act." The omnibus bill includes the House version of a provision to allow concealed weapons on private school grounds during church services.

Most churches in North Carolina can allow concealed or open-carry weapons on their property. But hundreds of churches share a property with an affiliated school, and state law bans weapons on school property.

Sponsor Rep. Jeff McNeely, R-Iredell, said the bill would allow churches to make the decision about whether parishioners and pastoral staff can carry weapons. He said it would apply only to private schools, not public, and it would allow weapons on the property only when students are not at school or attending school activities.

Read more: https://www.wral.com/house-s-church-weapons-debate-turns-theological/19570288/