Georgia bill would allow guns in church, bars, schools, airports

Its official name is the Safe Carry Protection Act.

Critics call it the “guns everywhere bill.”

Legislation awaiting the governor’s signature in Georgia would allow guns in bars, churches, airports and schools. It has drawn national attention because of its sweep.

The National Rifle Association called the bill’s passage a “historic victory for the 2nd Amendment.” Americans for Responsible Solutions, founded by former Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, called it the most extreme gun bill in the nation.

The legislation comes as a number of states have responded to high-profile shootings by moving to ease gun rules. Perhaps none has moved as far as Georgia, at least in a single bill.

The legislation would allow licensed gun owners to take weapons into houses of worship if the church allows it, into bars unless the owner objects, into airports up to screening areas and into government buildings, except past security checkpoints.

It would permit schools to arm staff members and lower the age from 21 to 18 for active members of the military to obtain gun licenses. It would forbid the confiscation of firearms during an emergency. The measure also would offer defendants an “absolute defense” in court if a gun is used in the face of a violent attack.

Gov. Nathan Deal hasn’t indicated his intentions on the bill. But many think the Republican governor, who has an A rating from the NRA and is up for re-election, will sign it. The legislation would go into effect July 1.