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Churches weigh OKing guns on premises
Fine for carrying weapon where banned lessened to $100
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The Rev. Rodney Lackey of Antioch Baptist Church in Gainesville, right, shakes hands with Deacon Clarence Perry after Sunday services in Gainesville. Lackey said his congregation made a unanimous decision to not allow guns in the church following the new gun law that went into effect July 1, allowing firearms in churches that give the OK. - photo by JOSHUA L. JONES
Churchgoers in Gainesville remain divided about the state’s sweeping new gun law that took effect July 1. Under what has been dubbed the “guns everywhere” law, houses of worship can choose whether to allow licensed holders to carry concealed weapons on their premises. This “opt-in” provision leaves each church to make up its own mind, though some are receiving guidance from regional and national leaders.