The Louisiana House has voted down a bill that would have prohibited a person from concealing a handgun without a permit if they are within 100-feet of a parade. Oil City Representative Danny McCormick voted against the measure. McCormick says this bill will only affect law abiding citizens.
“It’s already against the law for criminals to carry those guns. I don’t understand why putting limitations on law-abiding citizens helps lower crime,” McCormick said.
On July 4th, Louisiana adults will no longer need a permit to conceal carry. New Orleans Representative Mandie Landry authored the legislation that tried to require a permit to conceal carry near a parade route. She’s concerned about multiple people possessing guns near Mardi Grad parades.
“Do you remember that on St. Charles avenue, on Mardi Gras, the amount of children running around is indescribable. It’s like family reunions and outside barbecue,” Landry said.
Landry’s bill failed on a 58-38 vote. There were a few Republicans who voted for it, including Breaux Bridge Representative Chad Boyer, a former state trooper, who has provided support to the New Orleans Police Department for Mardi Gras.
“Based on my experience, I truly believe this is a good bill,” Boyer stated.
McCormick says this legislation will not keep criminals from possessing guns at a parade.
“So we need to concentrate on what the problem is. The problem is not the gun, it’s not the law-abiding citizens. It’s the criminals that are not going to follow the laws anyhow,” McCormick said.
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