Cuccinelli Opinion Good News for Virginia Gun Owners

Carrying a firearm for self protection in a church or place of worship is permissible under Virginia law, concludes state Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli in legal advice he provided to a member of the House of Delegates.

A vaguely written section of Virginia’s state law currently prohibits people from carrying a firearm into a place of worship or religious meeting “without good and sufficient reason.”  Delegate Mark Cole (R-88th District) sought clarification from the Attorney General’s office about the law. 

Cuccinelli wrote that “carrying a weapon for personal protection constitutes a good and sufficient reason under the statute to carry a weapon into a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held there.”

Gun Owners of America applauds the Attorney General for standing up for the rights of gun owners.  Criminals target so-called gun free zones precisely because there is a reasonable expectation that people will be unarmed.  Places of worship can be particularly vulnerable.  Money is normally collected, making it likely there will be cash present – in addition to a large number of children and the elderly.

Anti-gun critics complain that places of worship should be “safe” places.  We agree.  And the Attorney General’s opinion will make churches safer – for parishioners, not criminals.

Please take a moment to thank Ken Cucinnelli for standing up for your right to keep and bear arms. 

You can write a personal note to Ken directly on the web at http://www.cuccinelli.com/index.php/contactus