AG Issues Opinion on Carry in Virginia Churches

Attorney General Cuccinelli has issued an opinion related to the carry of firearms in churches during regular services.  Delegate Mark Cole asked the question whether it is permissible for a citizen to carry his firearm into a place of worship for personal safety purposes under § 18.2-293, which requires a "good and sufficient reason" for carrying a firearm into "a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held at such place.  The AG responds:

It is my opinion that carrying a weapon for personal protection constitutes a good and sufficient reason under the statute to carry a weapon into a place of worship while a meeting for religious purposes is being held there. 

It is further my opinion that places of worship can restrict or ban firearms from their premises.

It should be noted that an AG's Opinion is just that, an opinion, and does not carry the force of law.