Churches - Are They Safe from Violence?

I have a CCP (concealed carry permit). That means that I am legally certified to carry a concealed weapon for personal protection. I have taken multiple firearms and self protection courses throughout my life, have been an avid hunter and supporter of the 2nd Amendment. In my state, and in 30 other states, I can legally carry. There are exceptions. There are some places I am not allowed to carry. The local courthouse and areas around public schools are also off limits. However, there is also a clause that says I cannot carry in or around a church or church grounds.

I have been lobbying my State representatives to introduce legislation to change this. You see, I work for a ministry of a church, and although I don’t actually work in the church, I work on the church grounds in another building. During most days, there are only women present on the grounds. Some of these women are middle aged or older. The grounds keeper and janitorial staff are men, but are not always there. I can tell you that in my many years here, I’ve seen some pretty threatening people come through. Panhandlers looking for a handout, drugged out kids snooping around looking for trouble, others just seeing what is sitting around that could be ripped off easily.

In light of the last few years’ news around the country of people coming into churches and opening fire on people, or kidnapping or assaulting individuals on church grounds, I feel I am being discriminated against by the State because I cannot exercise the same right to carry during my day at work as I am allowed to exercise everywhere else I go. I think I’ve convinced one of my representatives that I have a legitimate concern, and she is looking into the subject in order to introduce legislation to change this exemption.

Why would protecting myself or others from harm be less important on church grounds than in the rest of the world I live in? Do lawmakers in my state think I’m safer in church than elsewhere?

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I'm interested to hear what others have to say about this.