TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - As Florida lawmakers consider adding measures to legislation about guns at churches and religious institutions, one Tallahassee church says it supports the push to protect those on its grounds.
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church has between 3,000 and 5,000 members, as well as a school, housing complex, and mental health clinic.
Reverend R.B. Holmes says he would have an orientation with all of the church's venues to make sure each one abides by any new safety policies. He says he already has a robust security team at the church, which includes law enforcement members.
Current Florida law allows people with concealed weapons licenses to carry guns at churches and other religious institutions, but there's a ban if schools are on the property.
The new house and senate bills address that issue in different ways and Reverend Holmes says everyone at each of the church's properties should feel safe.
"We live in a very challenging time where, once upon a time, you thought that the church was a safe zone, but history tells us now it is not," said Holmes. "So, it is wise and prudent to make sure that to make sure that, as pastor and church leaders, that we work for the advancement of security of our membership."
Reverend Holmes adds the church won't bring in metal detectors and that his security team is more than able to handle any issue.
As for the bills, the House version would let religious institutions allow guns on property they own, rent, lease or borrow. The Senate version would ban carrying guns during school hours or when after-school activities are happening on the property.
