Mississippi Governor Signs Law Allowing Armed Church Security
On April 15 Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant signed a gun rights bill on Friday allowing churches to create security programmes designating members to carry firearms to defend worshipers against violence, reports Christiantoday.
The legislation was passed amid heightened concerns about church security after a gunman last June killed nine black worshippers during a Bible study session at a church in Charleston, South Carolina, an attack that authorities say was racially motivated.
"Churches deserve protection from those who would harm worshippers," said Bryant, a Republican, in a Twitter post explaining his decision to sign the measure into law.
However, participants carrying firearms for church security programmes must have safety training and meet permitting standards.
As it was reported earlier, on April 5 Mississippi Governor signed the bill allowing state and private companies to refuse service to same-sex couples if this is contrary to their religious beliefs.
