"Public Gatherings" CCW off limits in GA?

[makarovnik]

I find it hard to believe the law can dictate whether or not you can carry a firearm on private property (such as a church) especially if the owner of that property is okay with it.

I would not carry a weapon to an event where you might be subject to search but... church?

I think God likes guns but that's just my opinion.

You have to weigh the advantages and consequences for yourself I hate to say it but some laws are meant to be ------.

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

Hank, it's a no-go on the baton. They are prohibited in 16-11-126. Georgia only permits the carry of a FIREARM with a permit to carry, not other weapons (acceptable length knives are covered in other sections that I'm not familiar with).

§ 16-11-126. Carrying a concealed weapon

(a) A person commits the offense of carrying a concealed weapon when such person knowingly has or carries about his or her person, unless in an open manner and fully exposed to view, any bludgeon, metal knuckles, firearm, knife designed for the purpose of offense and defense, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character outside of his or her home or place of business, except as permitted under this Code section.

[...]

(c) This Code section shall not permit, outside of his or her home, motor vehicle, or place of business, the concealed carrying of a pistol, revolver, or concealable firearm by any person unless that person has on his or her person a valid license issued under Code Section 16-11-129...

The permit exception (16-11-129) to the prohibition on weapons only applies to a "pistol, revolver, or concealable firearm."

 

[Feud]

It may be private property, but it's designated for a public purpose. Once public health and/or safety become a concern the State's police powers come into play.

For example, a state might make a law saying that it is illegal to smoke or have an open flame within 20 feet of a gas pump. The owner of the pump might be ok with it, the person smoking might be ok with it, but a possible explosion and fire would not only threaten the publics safety but also endanger those tasked with putting it out.

The public safety issue with a bar is apparent, an angry drunk with a handgun and a room full drunk people who may also be armed could quickly spiral out of control into a drunken firefight.

As for a Church, perhaps this law was to provide grounds for prosecution of doomsday cults and or other violent groups using religion as a shield for nefarious activities (such as El Rukn). One would have to read the debate minutes when the law was presented or talk to the author to know for sure.

 

[jrfoxx]

Mojo-jo-jo-
thanks for the excellent reply and explanation. That REALLY stinks. sure sounds like any street the bus, or a UPS/FedEx truck travels (which I'd think would pretty much include ALL of them) would be off limits if they catch you and want to push it.So basiccaly, a GA permit would what, let you carry on you own property if you stay away from the road, or inside your house, and thats about it? Craziness....

 

[romma]

More really dumb laws that need to be changed... Fight Georgia!

 

[Samuel Adams]

I just leave my Glock in the hotel safe when I make my yearly visit to beautiful Savannah and go out on foot.
I,perhaps foolishly, go naked rather than run the risk of GA's draconian labryrinth of gun regulations.

Savannah is the wrong town in which to go naked.

BTW, GA HB89 is supposed to address the Public Gathering Law but it's hung up in committee. Let's put some pressure on the politicians.

http://www.georgiapacking.org/bills.php

 

[hankdatank1362]

Thankyou again, mo-jo-jo, and everyone else, for helping me wade through all of Georgia's anti-gun bullcrap.

I think I'm gonna restrict my carry to if we happen to go walking around or a mall or something like that. I guess I'll have to leave it in the car when we go to dinner (restaurant will serve alcohol I'm sure) and if we hit up any "touristy" things like Coke World.

Any must-sees (or good steakhouses) in the northern atlanta/duluth area?

 

[langenc]

Next time you might have travelled thru GA advise the local and state Chambers that you will not be coming. Next para tell them why. If travelling thru pick several cities chambers and advise them no -meals, gas,lodging etc. Just passing thru as fast as possible.

Thanks for the advice-GA is not on my prospective list and wont be.

 

[Mojo-jo-jo]

Any must-sees (or good steakhouses) in the northern atlanta/duluth area?

The aforementioned World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium are both very good.
Southern Railway Museum is in Duluth. Haven't been there, but I hear it is good if you like trains.
Stone Mountain Park is good and unique, especially if you like the outdoors.
The Cyclorama is good, especially if you are into civil war history.
CNN has studio tours if you are interested in seeing the inside of the Commie News Network.

 

[Winchester 73]

Savannah is the wrong town in which to go naked.

You are so correct,Samuel.
But I love Savannah(and San Francisco)too much to ever stop coming back.I confine myself on foot to the area of the town's wonderful squares and River Street.
I've been to Savannah every year since 1985 and so far luck has been with me.It may run out eventually.
But since I gotta die sometime, it may just as well be in my beautiful Savannah.

 

[Tom Servo]

The aforementioned World of Coca-Cola and Georgia Aquarium are both very good.

Not sure of the Coca-Cola museum, but the Aquarium bans guns. They wand you at the door.

Stone Mountain Park is good and unique, especially if you like the outdoors.

Stone Mountain claims status as a state park, and they ban firearms. There's a sign saying you'll be prosecuted in local magistrate court if found carrying.

The Cyclorama is good, especially if you are into civil war history.
CNN has studio tours if you are interested in seeing the inside of the Commie News Network.

Last time I was at CNN HQ, they had 'no firearms' signs up, and the Cyclorama is likely designated as a "public gathering."

Welcome to Georgia :banghead:

 

[Winchester 73]

Location: Kennesaw, Ga:

Now,if only all our home towns had your towns rules ,Eric.

 

[Samuel Adams]

Now,if only all our home towns had your towns rules ,Eric.

Ain't that the truth...

 

[Tom Servo]

Now,if only all our home towns had your towns rules ,Eric.

Actually, Kennesaw had a ban on carrying into city parks until recently

The original ordinance is words on paper, preserved for historical purposes, basically. LEOs here aren't any more friendly (though not any less, either) towards guns than any other municipality.

On a state level, the "public gathering" language hearkens back to the Reconstruction days, when the idea was to prevent blacks from arming themselves. It has no place in the laws of a supposedly free state.

I haven't seen the final text yet, but the Senate did pass HB257, which has been amended to allow for carry in restaurants that serve alcohol, and on public transit. Both areas had previously been off-limits. It looks like the Public Gathering thing won't likely be addressed until next year, however (something would have to happen today, basically).

It's not that this state is particularly anti-gun; it's just that the laws were written awhile back, and there hasn't been a big push to review and change them until recently.

 

[VHinch]

I have read, but can not confirm, that both HB257 and HB89 will go to the floor for a vote tomorrow, and the general consensus is that both will pass. We will not get everything we hoped for, but it will still be a considerable victory for RKBA in Georgia.

 

[Huddog]

Changes may be coming. There is new legiatation at the capital now. It finally got out of committee. This is near the end of session and historically things get done very quickly as the legislators need to return to their regular jobs and don't want the session to get prolonged. So changes may be coming soon, or not. You just never know what a legislature will do.

 

[Mike J]

Hank-I'd like to reemphasize what someone else posted earlier having lived in the metro Atlanta area-and worked in downtown a lot off & on over the years-situational awareness is key. If you are aware of your surroundings and stick to the well traveled-touristy type place you will probably be fine