RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina House approved a bill Wednesday that GOP lawmakers say will make it easier for people attending religious services to protect themselves.
House Bill 49, named “Protect Religious Meeting Places,” would change current law to allow people with concealed carry permits to carry handguns to places of worship that also serve as schools, or have attached schools. Guns still wouldn’t be allowed during school operating hours, or if the building has a notice prohibiting concealed carry on the premises.
The bill passed 77-43, with six Democrats joining Republicans in voting for the bill, including Reps. Tricia Cotham of Mecklenburg County, Garland Pierce of Hoke County, Amos Quick of Guilford County, Shelly Willingham of Edgecombe County and Michael Wray of Halifax County.