Louisiana: Bobby Jindal allows concealed guns in places of worship

Indian-American Governor Bobby Jindal has agreed to allow concealed handguns inside Louisiana's churches, mosques and synagogues, prompting anti-gun violence activists up in arms against the controversial move.

Anyone wishing to carry a concealed weapon in a church will have to take an extra eight hours of tactical training each year. Jindal signed the bill moved by Republican Rep Henry Burns on Tuesday.

The bill will go into effect on August 15, according to local media reports. Churches, synagogues and mosques choosing to allow concealed carry will have to inform their congregations of the decision.

Anti-gun violence activists are up in arms against the controversial move by the governor. Jindal has chosen not to say anything on why he has allowed guns in religious places of worship.

Supporters of the measure said it can be a deterrent against criminal activity in church and will give an option to ministers and pastors to incorporate concealed handguns into their security plans.

Opponents argued it's inappropriate to have concealed handguns in church. On one hand, the bill would allow increased security at the often targeted religious institutions.

On the other, allowing any weapons can mean a higher risk for everyone attending. Jindal signed five bills into law from the Governor's 2010 legislative package to strengthen the ability of law enforcement to track down and punish sexual predators that prey on children.

"These new laws continue to build on our aggressive efforts to root out the monsters that prey on our children. They also provide our law enforcement officials with the tools they need to fight sexual predators on multiple fronts -- in the streets and on the internet  -- so we can create a safer environment for our children, " Jindal said in a release.

Cyberbullying may also be a thing of the past in Louisiana. HB1259 criminalises the "transmission of any electronic textual, visual, written, or oral communication with the malicious and wilful intent to coerce, abuse, torment, or intimidate a person under the age of 18."

Bullies over the age of 17 will face a maximum $ 500 fine and up to six months in jail. Younger offenders will undergo counselling. HB1259 was fiercely debated during the legislative session that ended last month. A compromise was reached to soften the penalties for those under the age of 17.

Another bill signed by the governor could pave the way for a 39 per cent increase in the cost of motor vehicle inspection fees for East Baton Rouge Parish.

House Bill 1470 is intended to help local mass transit, however, it also requires the approval of the Metro Council and a majority of voters to take effect.

The legislation would increase the motor vehicle inspection fee by $ 7 from  $ 18 per year to $ 25. Part of the proceeds would aid the Capital Area Transit System, which is facing financial problems. The rest would go into a fund to promote mass transit in East Baton Rouge and four area parishes that face air-pollution problems.

In addition to bills that were part of the Governor's legislative package to crack down on sex offenders, he also signed the following bills that strengthen sex offender laws: HB 376 by Rep Ernest Wooton is a bill that relates to parole revocation for certain sex offenders.

The bill makes it clear that a sex predator that violates parole will have to return for the duration of his/her sentence. Present law provides that any offender who has been released on parole and whose parole supervision is being revoked for his first technical violation of the conditions of parole, as determined by the Board of Parole, shall be required to serve a maximum of 90 days without diminution of sentence or credit for time served prior to the revocation.

As a result of HB 376, it will be clear that sex offenders do not receive the benefit of present law. HB 640 by Rep. Chris Hazel is a bill that strengthens sex offender registration laws and closes gaps in compliance measures that previously allowed sex offenders to reduce their time of registration without having a complete "clean record." HB 1436 by Rep.

Barbara Norton is a bill that requires the principal of any school upon receipt of the notification to post notices in conspicuous areas at the school which state the offender's name, address, and a statement on the notice, commensurate with the education level of the school, which in the discretion of the principal, appropriately notifies the students of the potential danger of the offender.

SB 780 by Senator Sherri Cheek is a bill that compliments HB 191 by Rep. Perry by adding enhanced penalty options for habitual sex offenders.

Image: Louisiana's Indian-American Governor Bobby Jindal