Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp is pushing for new state laws that would loosen requirements for carrying a handgun in public.
The Republican, who is up for reelection this year and is facing a Trump-endorsed primary challenger, talked Wednesday about enhancing the public’s ability to defend itself while surrounded by members of the National Rifle Association and state lawmakers in front of a business outside Atlanta that describes itself as the world’s largest gun store.
“Building a safer, stronger Georgia starts with hardworking Georgians having the ability to protect themselves and their families,” Kemp said at the press conference. “In the face of rising violent crime across the country, law-abiding citizens should have their constitutional rights protected.”
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The Georgia governor did not provide any details about what those changes to the law would entail. However, he said he supported the notion of “constitutional carry,” or carrying concealed weapons without a permit.
Now, more than ever, law-abiding Georgians want a strong commitment to the Second Amendment and the right to protect themselves.
Today I announced our push to get Constitutional Carry on the books in Georgia this legislative session. Together, we’ll GET THE JOB DONE! #2A #gapol pic.twitter.com/lgyAZZ2f8g
— Brian Kemp (@BrianKempGA) January 5, 2022
Kemp has been a regular proponent of Second Amendment rights, appearing in several ads with firearms in hand, and voiced support for “constitutional carry” policies during his first campaign. However, the Associated Press reports he had not mentioned it since taking office in 2019.
The NRA expressed approval for Kemp’s proposal.
“We shouldn’t have to claw back a civil right, a God-given right to defend ourselves. We shouldn’t have to argue the restrictions placed on government of four simple words ‘shall not be infringed.’ However, people who hate freedom persist, so 21 states have made America safer by passing constitutional carry,” said NRA Vice President Lt. Col. Willes K. Lee in a press statement. “We’re pleased to stand here with Gov. Kemp today as he announces he will work to bring this protection to Georgia.”
Other Republicans were less enthusiastic about Kemp’s proposal.
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“I’m glad Brian Kemp is answering my call for constitutional carry in Georgia,” former Sen. David Perdue, the GOP gubernatorial candidate endorsed by former President Donald Trump, tweeted on Monday. “But real leaders lead from the start — and it’s time Georgia had a Governor who shows principled leadership when it matters most.”
Georgia’s current laws require people to obtain a license to carry a loaded handgun outside of their home, business, or car. People are allowed to carry rifles or shotguns into different places without a permit or carry an unloaded gun in a case.
