In July of 2014, Georgia will become the 14th state to allow concealed weapons in bars and restaurants, but only a handful of other states allow firearms in churches and other houses of worship. The law allows permit holders to bring their guns in unless the owner of the business or religious leaders post signs that prohibit guns. Some business owners are torn; allowing guns may lead to liability or scare off other patrons, but not respecting gun-toting customers right to bring their weapon may hinder business.
Other business owners have already made up their minds. Guns are not welcome in one northern Georgia bar because alcohol use combined with a loaded gun in their pocket might cause some customers to make stupid decisions; while a steak restaurant made their intention to ban guns clear, but quickly backed down when the heard the backlash from customers.
Leaders of the Episcopalian and Roman Catholic churches have already decided that weapons do not belong in God’s house; while one Baptist pastor does not believe people should have to choose between carrying their gun and going to church.
Public buildings, on the other hand, are not permitted to prohibit permit holders from carrying guns. The public library has been forced to change their longstanding policy of not allowing firearms. The administration does not support the law because many patrons of the library are kids. Parts of the airport are also required to allow concealed weapons and many travelers oppose this part of the law.
Officially, Georgia’s law is called the Safe Carry Protection Act because lawmaker’s intended to reestablish people’s right of self-defense.