Not content with simply being the shinning beacon of racism and extremism in the country, Arizona lawmakers are now seeking to go a step further to become the epicenter of radical gun laws too by making it legal to carry guns at public events and inside public establishments such as basketball arenas and football stadiums. Places where heated rivalries are often settled.
While current law allows public agencies to declare buildings as gun-free zones by “putting a sticker on the door,” SB 1201 will allow public buildings to keep guns out “only if there are metal detectors at each entrance with a security guards.” Without those measures, which can cost over $100,000, anyone may bring in their own gun.
Under the bill, “public establishments” and “public events” include buildings owned or leased by the state (including courts and libraries) and events conducted with a license or permit from a public entity. While the law exempts events or facilities that serve alcohol — making them provide “gun lockers” if they want to ban guns — events without alcohol would likely have to allow firearms without restriction. Such public places would include “major events such as Arizona Cardinals and Phoenix Suns games or rock concerts.” Or, as one major concert promoter noted, “Sesame Street Live” and “Disney On Ice”
Big Bird better keep an eye over his shoulder.
In case anyone forgot, It's only been two months since Loughner shot Gabrielle Giffords in the face and killed an adorable 9-year-old girl in the process. Is this how we respond to that tragedy? By making guns even more prevalent?
(via Thinkprogress)