Lawmaker Wants Ban On Guns In Places Of Worship

An Illinois lawmaker wants to change the state's new concealed-carry law to ban guns in places of worship.

The law bars concealed weapons from schools, courthouses, government buildings, libraries and public transit. But churches, mosques and synagogues must post signs if they don't want people carrying guns onto the property.

Democratic Sen. Dan Kotowski of Park Ridge has introduced an amendment to change that, saying houses of worship "should be off-limits.''

Pastor Charles Burton of Unity Fellowship Church in Godfrey supports the amendment, saying he refuses ``to be governed by fear.'' But Pastor Cory Respondek of Living Water Church in Cahokia says churches should be able to decide for themselves.

The law was passed July 9 to comply with a federal appeals court ruling striking down Illinois' last-in-the-nation ban.