LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) -- The Arkansas House has narrowly approved a bill allowing concealed handguns in churches, despite hearing arguments that lawmakers should put their faith in God, not guns.
The bill passed Wednesday on a 57-42 vote and now heads to the Senate.
The measure removes churches and houses of worship from the list of places where concealed handguns are banned. Currently, the only private entities where concealed weapons are banned are churches and bars.
The bill would allow churches to continue to bar the weapons on their premises if they choose to do so.
Those speaking against the bill included two legislators who are also pastors.
