Video: Lawmakers Split on Mississippi Church Protection Act

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JACKSON, Miss. (WCBI) — Mississippi lawmakers respond to a proposed bill sitting on Governor Phil Bryant’s desk.

House Bill 786 – also known as the Mississippi Church Protection Act – would allow churches to form their own armed security teams.

Congregations would decide who they want to patrol church grounds during services.

Those for the measure tell WCBI this bill addresses any potential safety concerns at churches – especially following the deadly South Carolina church shooting a few months ago.

But the bill concerns other lawmakers.

“It just leaves room for a lot of variables to take place in the church, and I think our focus should be on praising God and His goodness, instead of worrying about who has a weapon inside the church,” said Rep. Kabir Karriem, (D) District 41.

Republican lawmakers backing the bill add this legislation also gives churches immunity if something bad were to happen.