Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli has provided an advisory opinion to Del. Mark Cole regarding whether citizens are allowed to carry firearms for self-protection into places of worship.
Apparently this is a hot topic for legislators because this was the third such request for an opinion.
“It is the opinion of the attorney general, based on a thorough review of existing law and relevant prior court decisions, that carrying a weapon for self-defense legally constitutes a “good and sufficient reason” under the statute. This opinion assumes that the citizen is lawfully able to carry a weapon, and if carrying concealed, has the appropriate permit to do so. “
Of course, the AG goes on to say:
“…while the Constitution of Virginia protects the right to bear arms, it also recognizes the importance of property rights. Churches, synagogues, mosques, and other religious entities – like any other owner of private property – can restrict or ban the carrying of weapons onto their premises.”
I must admit, there have been times while I have been at my former church where the thought of having a weapon handy was not such a bad idea.
The bottom-line is that the AG sided with freedom again – it is the private owner who decides what can and cannot be permitted on their own property.
Kudos on another practical – and well-founded – legal opinion by Virginia’s Attorney General that favors freedom over the nanny-state.
For more, check out the Washington Examiner.