Florida considers guns in churches, government meetings

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) — Gun rights would be expanded at churches and other places of worship and for local government officials who want to carry firearms at meetings under two bills approved by a House committee Tuesday.

Members of the House Criminal Justice Committee cited several shootings around the country as they supported the bills.

While Florida doesn't prohibit guns in churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship, many religious organizes worship on properties that also contain schools, ranging from preschools to universities, and guns are banned in those places.

“I understand that sometimes gun issues are hotly contested in our society, but on this measure here, members, there really should be no contesting this. This is something we all should be voting for, because the truth is that those people who attend churches are in harm’s way,” said Republican Rep. Byron Donalds.

Rabbi Zvi Konikov of Satellite Beach strongly urged committee members to support the bill.

“Synagogues and all houses of faith are in a state of crisis. Law enforcement cannot be expected on our sites 24/7. Rabbis and all leaders of faith cannot be left unprotected," Konikov said. “Law enforcement agencies have response times in minutes, but the violent criminals can take our lives in seconds.”

If a religious institution is leasing, renting or borrowing the site where it worships, the property owner could still impose a firearm ban.

Three of the five Democrats on the committee joined Republicans in supporting the bill.

The other bill would allow county and city commissioners and school board members carry guns to meetings if they have a concealed weapons permit.

Republican Rep. Mel Ponder cited shootings at government meetings around the country for sponsoring...