Legislation to legalize open carry in Florida has gathered significant opposition from sheriffs groups and gun control groups statewide, but another group of Floridians -- concerned mothers -- are joining the chorus to oppose the bill.
The Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, a national grassroots group of mothers advocating to protect citizens from gun violence and advocate for measures protecting the Second Amendment.
The group demands for stronger gun laws and closing loopholes they say will “endanger families” and children nationwide.
In Florida, the group has gone after a bill which would make it legal for concealed weapons permit holders to openly carry their firearms in public.
HB 163, sponsored by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Shalimar, has been one of the more controversial bills to be heard during this year’s legislative session.
On Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee passed the bill to legalize open carry in Florida, the last step the bill will take before heading to the House floor for a full vote. The bill has been mostly divided by party affiliation.
The group of Florida mothers chimed in on the proposal, said they worried about the impact the legislation would have on the state if made into law.
“Passing HB 163 would still be a dangerous step in the wrong direction for our state’s public safety,” said volunteer chapter leader for the Florida chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America Cheryl Anderson. “Allowing the open carry of loaded guns on our streets puts communities at risk and and will force our families to guess whether the person in the places our families frequent everyday is a trained law enforcement official or a dangerous criminal. While we are pleased that some of the harmful provisions were removed of the bill, we urge Florida lawmakers to reject the gun lobby’s dangerous agenda and instead focus on common sense measures that keep guns away from criminals.”
Anderson’s sentiments were echoed by other concerned mothers who say they worry about the effect the legislation would have on tourism in Florida.
“The bulk of our revenue comes from tourism,” wrote Linda Duerden on Facebook. “Europeans will not take lightly to exposing their families to gun toting people. Not in the restaurants, markets or anyplace. We are supposed to be a civilized society and I think it is damned time we started acting like one.”
Lawmakers in support of the bill said it would allow Floridians to exercise their Second Amendment rights and would make the state safer in all aspects.
"This would be a family friendly state because we allow people to carry weapons in their defense," said Rep. Julio Gonzalez, R-Venice at the bill’s hearing Thursday.
It's legal for gun owners to carry handguns openly in 30 states without a license or permit, while 15 states require a license to carry openly. If the Florida Legislature approves the measure, Florida would become the 46th state to allow open carry.
The bill will now head to the full House floor for a vote.
Reach reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen.
