Members of the Atlanta City Council are expressing their outrage over recently signed House Bill 89 which will allow concealed guns on public transportation, in restaurants that serve alcohol and in state and city parks. Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the controversial gun bill Wednesday over the objections of local officials including Mayor Shirley Franklin, members of the Atlanta City Council, anti-gun lobbyists, and public transportation and public safety officials.
The City is considering fighting the new gun law, a city hall official said Thursday. “The new gun bill will be something that will have detrimental effects on the public safety efforts in every city in our state,” said City Councilmember Clair Muller. “There is not a sensible rationale for allowing the loosening of our current gun laws.”
The new law which will go into effect July 1, would allow for restaurant patrons to carry a firearm inside such facilities. Concealed weapons would also be allowed in state and city parks as well as on public transportation systems such as MARTA.
“It’s strange logic that the Governor believes that allowing hand guns in more public places will somehow make us safer,” said City Council President Lisa M. Borders. “This is poor public policy and a tremendous disappointment.”
Alice Johnson, executive director of Georgians for Gun Safety, said HB 89 sends a message that it is ok to assume law enforcement responsibilities if you are a civilian with a concealed weapons permit. “That is extremely dangerous for the community,” Johnson said. “Concealed weapons permit holders do not have to have training, they are not psychologically screened, they can have a conviction for a DUI or simple battery and still get a permit.” Johnson said her group has been fighting the new gun law since the idea first surfaced in January 2007. The legislation was originally written to allow concealed weapons in vehicles. “If the city of Atlanta would join in with other city to take this on, that would be an excellent use of our public safety resources,” Johnson said. “It could also save lives in the long term.”
The City is considering fighting the new gun law, a city hall official said Thursday. “The new gun bill will be something that will have detrimental effects on the public safety efforts in every city in our state,” said City Councilmember Clair Muller. “There is not a sensible rationale for allowing the loosening of our current gun laws.”
The new law which will go into effect July 1, would allow for restaurant patrons to carry a firearm inside such facilities. Concealed weapons would also be allowed in state and city parks as well as on public transportation systems such as MARTA.
“It’s strange logic that the Governor believes that allowing hand guns in more public places will somehow make us safer,” said City Council President Lisa M. Borders. “This is poor public policy and a tremendous disappointment.”
Alice Johnson, executive director of Georgians for Gun Safety, said HB 89 sends a message that it is ok to assume law enforcement responsibilities if you are a civilian with a concealed weapons permit. “That is extremely dangerous for the community,” Johnson said. “Concealed weapons permit holders do not have to have training, they are not psychologically screened, they can have a conviction for a DUI or simple battery and still get a permit.” Johnson said her group has been fighting the new gun law since the idea first surfaced in January 2007. The legislation was originally written to allow concealed weapons in vehicles. “If the city of Atlanta would join in with other city to take this on, that would be an excellent use of our public safety resources,” Johnson said. “It could also save lives in the long term.”
