Defensive Freedom in the Churches of Virginia

Virginia: Guns can be carried in church


Virginians may carry weapons for personal protection into places of worship
while religious services are being conducted, according to a legal
opinion from Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli II. Virginia law bars
carrying weapons in churches and other worship houses while a
religious meeting is being held unless a person has "good and
sufficient reason." In an opinion written Friday and posted on his
Web site Monday, Cuccinelli (R) indicates that the "right of self
defense lies at the heart of the right to keep and bear arms."
Therefore, he concludes, "carrying a weapon for personal protection
constitutes a good and sufficient reason under the statute."