Miss. Moves to Allow Guns in Churches to Avoid Attacks

A proposal to allow people to carry guns in Mississippi churches is moving through the state legislature, NBC News reported.

“The Church Protection Act” allows houses of worship to designate members as security guards, who could obtain permits to carry concealed weapons to protect against attacks.

Supporters say the measure could prevent an attack similar to the June 2015 massacre in a Charleston, South Carolina, church that left nine members dead, while a gun-control advocacy group says the bill defies the will of a majority of voters who don’t see concealed carry permits as a priority.

The Mississippi Senate voted 36-14 in favor of the measure, which now heads to the House.