Don't forget while reading this that Alabama has not expanded Medicaid under Obamacare because State's Rights....
But when it comes to individual rights to be free from gun violence, as well as local government's right to determine local control of open carry, Alabama is a total top down government.
The Attorney General of Alabama has informed cities and counties that they cannot post signs to enforce gun free-zones in parks and public auditoriums.
Because Alabama is an open carry state, dang gummit. And it's clear that the ammosexual lobby has written this law to spec, because citizens have the right now to file a complaint with the Attorney General if some public place in Alabama forbids open carry, and the AG has to stop that place from inhibiting the 2nd Amendment rights of the citizen, even to the point of filing a lawsuit, even if that place is a municipal government building.
This has created a cottage industry where people can travel around the state and file a complaint with the AG any time they see a "no guns" sign. Those signs are prohibited.
Here's from the official AG website on the subject, because there is one:
A petitioner alleged that the Tuscaloosa Public Library failed to comply with Alabama law because it prohibited firearms. After the Attorney General communicated with the Tuscaloosa Public Library, the signs prohibiting firearms were removed. Because the signs are removed, the Attorney General has determined that no further action is required.
A petitioner alleged that Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport failed to comply with Alabama law because it prohibited firearms outside of secured areas of the airport. After the Attorney General communicated with Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport, the signs prohibiting firearms were removed. Because the signs are removed, the Attorney General has determined that no further action is necessary.
A petitioner alleged that City of Mountain Brook failed to comply with Alabama law because it prohibited firearms at city owned parks. After the Attorney General communicated with City of Mountain Brook, the signs prohibiting firearms were removed. Because the signs are removed, the Attorney General has determined that no further action is required.
It appears the places Alabama allows you to forbid firearms are buildings with a police department inside, and secure areas of an airport. But if you're just seeing someone off before they go through security? Show up packing heat!
Bring all the guns you want to this park in Mountain Brook, Alabama. What could possibly go wrong?
An editorial at AL.com has had it:
The Alabama Attorney General's office has made it clear to cities big and small, to housing authorities and libraries and parks and shelters across the state that they have no choice. Alabama law allows guns in public places, and the AG's office will sue all those who do not willingly and quickly comply.
I keep hearing how we could all feel safer if good people are allowed to carry guns in public spaces. I can't imagine why I don't feel safer.
We should arm ourselves with common sense.
Let me make it clear that I don't want to take your guns – as long as you are a legal, rational gun owner. But I would prefer you keep them off the playground when the kids are playing. I don't know all of you well enough to trust you.
It is your right in Alabama to carry your guns openly, to conceal your weapon if you have a permit. And the state has made it easier and easier for you to get one of those. It is your right to carry. Just remember the bullet flies in our airspace.
In the end guns don't make people safer. People do.
The whole editorial is worth reading. And good to know there's at least one sane person in Alabama.
