Georgia: a southern state, one of the original 13 colonies, traditional conservative values…must have wonderful, freedom loving gun laws, right? Nope, think again.

Georgia is one of the strictest states in the union concerning the legal carrying of firearms by its citizens. While the nation has enjoyed almost universal firearms carry law reform and the freedoms of millions of Americans have been restored, Georgia’s citizens are still living under vague, unclear and terribly restrictive carry laws.

Georgia’s constitution provides that, “The right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed, but the General Assembly shall have power to prescribe the manner in which arms may be borne.” (emphasis ours).

What part of prescribing the manner in which my pistol may be borne covers making it a crime to bear it while I am in attendance at church? Or while visiting a public building such as a highway rest stop?

These are some of the places defined as a ‘public gathering’, at which Georgians are committing crimes when they carry their otherwise lawfully possessed guns. I know that I am not a criminal when I get up in the morning and put my gun on, and that I don’t suddenly become a criminal just because I step into a certain building. So why does Georgia law make that assumption?

At the top is a collection of maps displaying information on the laws of Georgia and other states that have adopted firearms carrying laws. The graphics allow us to see how Georgia compares to other states in terms of the restriction of the constitutionally protected right to bear personal arms.

Georgia Firearms Laws Are Due For a Change!

Please join us in working toward our goal of a complete rewrite of Georgia’s gun-carrying laws. There is simply no reason that Georgians should live with as many restrictions on where we are welcomed while carrying a pistol. We are safe, responsible, vetted members of our communities and not the appropriate target for legislation restricting possession of guns…we’re the GOOD GUYS!

All we want is to be able to move freely about our society, welcomed by our community as armed men and women. We don’t come brandishing weapons, inflaming situations or inciting violence. We simply want Georgia’s legislature and citizens to acknowledge our right to self-defense and to respect the freedom of possessing arms.

Last updated September 17th 2008.