By Martin Wells
Lincoln, NE – Concealed weapons would be allowed in churches under a bill advanced by the Nebraska Legislature Thursday.
A 2006 law allows Nebraskans to carry concealed handguns, but churches were among places where such weapons were prohibited. The amendment to allow this change in the law was sponsored by Senator Beau McCoy. He says it will give an added measure of protection to places of worship.
Senator McCoy says past attacks on churches convinced him this step was needed. The underlying bill prohibits cities from having their own concealed-weapons bans.
Senator Brenda Council of Omaha called the bill an attempt to override the will of communities who have decided to restrict where concealed weapons can be carried. Lawmakers voted 40-4 to advance the bill to the second round of debate.