Mississippi Evangelical Christian service
Credit: southernspaces.org

The Senate on Tuesday passed the “Mississippi Church Protection Act” to allow armed security in churches, concealed carry without a permit and attempting to nullify federal regulations and executive orders that would limit gun rights.

There was much debate. Sen. Hillman Frazier, D-Jackson, waved a sheathed sword and quoted Bible Scripture as he argued against passage of the bill. Proponents also quoted Scripture, and even the Five Man Electrical Band — “signs, signs, everywhere signs” — as they fended off an amendment to require churches with armed security to post signs.

“We don’t need to pimp the church for political purposes,” Frazier said said as he held an ornate sword at the podium. “If you want to pass gun laws, do that, but don’t use the church.”

Sen. Sean Tindell, R-Gulfport, spoke for passage of the bill and said, “This will allow a church to have a sergeant-at-arms to protect the church body, just like we have (in the Legislature).” He said church […]