Whether it be the true identity of Tyler Durden or that time Bruce Willis was actually a dead guy, I love a good plot twist. Normally I have to spend $4 at Tinseltown on Saturday or steal my mom's Amazon Prime login to get my unexpected story ending fix. But not today. According to KOCO, Oklahoma lawmakers may be at odds with local church people.
Via KOCO…
OKLAHOMA CITY —Oklahoma faith leaders gathered Monday outside the governor's office at the state Capitol, to urge lawmakers to vote against a bill that would allow some Oklahomans to carry a gun without a permit.
House Bill 2597, the “constitutional carry” bill authored by state Senate Majority Floor Leader Kim David and Rep. Jon Echols, passed the Senate committee and will be considered by the entire Senate this week.
That’s right. Oklahoma lawmakers are having to choose between catering to the far-right gun nuts and the Jesus freaks. But if there’s anything I’ve learned from reading about bystander effect or being forced to watch Kirk Cameron’s horrifying “Left Behind” movies as a kid, it’s probably better for them to be on the Good Lord’s side for everyone’s safety.
The bill would permit Oklahomans age 21 and older to carry a firearm without a permit. Veterans, active duty, and reserve military members age 18 and over would be allowed to carry without a permit under the bill. The bill also prohibits felons, and those with domestic violence convictions or who have been adjudicated as having a mental illness from carrying a firearm.
The Oklahoma Conference of Churches, Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry and other faith leaders gathered Monday to participate in a prayer vigil, urging Gov. Kevin Stitt to rethink his support for the bill.
“The governor indicated that he would sign permitless carry, and we are really concerned that he’s not hearing the voices of the faith community,” Rev. Lori Walke said.
So it sounds like the new law will still prohibit violent offenders from possessing a firearm. However, by removing the requirement to have a handgun license to conceal a firearm, it also removes one of barriers that deters violent offenders from carrying. So it doesn't seem like this bill is a good idea. But I know I’m biased because I’ve already spent four hours of my life and nearly $300 on the classes and paperwork necessary to get my own handgun license.
All I want to do is *pew pew pew pew* and follow Hayley on twitter @squirrellygeek
