Gov. Kemp says he would sign a bill allowing citizens to carry a weapon without a license

ATLANTA — Republican state lawmakers have been pushing a bill that would allow citizens to carry a concealed weapon without a license. Governor Kemp has now confirmed that if a bill like that made its way to his desk, he would sign it.

About 60 people were in attendance for a gun rally Wednesday to show support for the right to carry a gun without what they call government interference by having to get license for the right to bear arms.

Gov. Kemp headlined the event for the pro-gun organization Georgia Second Amendment, or GA2A.

“And with your support, and with these leaders here today, we’re gonna get it done,” Gov. Kemp said.

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Under current Georgia law, carrying a gun in Georgia without a permit is considered a misdemeanor and you can be fined up to $1,000.

Karen Whitlock told Channel 2′s Dave Huddleston that she supports the bill. She and other women say gun ownership allows them to protect themselves and not have to rely on anyone else.

“The average police response time in the area is 11 minutes. I can’t afford to get on the phone and wait 11 minutes if someone is a threat to me in my own home, Whitlock said.

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The bill has passed the Georgia Senate, but must still pass the Georgia House of Representatives.

Rep. Matthew Wilson told Huddleston that law enforcement has already told lawmakers that more guns on the street is not the answer.

“But instead, the legislature is going the opposite direction, and just trying to put more guns out and in the hands of more people. We need to be listening to our law enforcement officers right now,” Rep. Wilson said.

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The gun bill would still require a federal background check on all gun sales. Similar bills are also being discussed in 21 other states.

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