12/19/12 - Legislation that would have allowed concealed weapons in churches, schools and daycare centers was rejected on Tuesday by Republican Governor Rick Snyder. The legislature approved the bill last week but it quickly became the subject of heated debate since the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School happened shortly thereafter. The Reverend Yvonne Schumacher Strejcek, Parish Minister with the Community Unitarian Universalist in Brighton, said she was surprised the Governor actually vetoed the bill in the face of considerable pressure from his political party but was very happy he decided to take a higher road. However, she tells WHMI it might have been a different story had tragedy not struck in Connecticut. She says the events at Sandy Hook Elementary and having the shock of losing so many young children in everyoneâs face probably did make a difference in the Governorâs decision. Senate Bill 59 would have allowed those with Concealed Pistol Licenses who receive additional training to bring firearms into schools, day care centers, sports arenas, bars, places of worship, hospitals, dorms and large entertainment facilities. Private-property owners and public universities would have been given an opportunity to prohibit the weapons, but public schools would not have had that option. Governor Snyder is now calling for a "more comprehensive review of issues relating to gun violence." He has also ordered a multi-department assessment of the stateâs services and needs regarding at-risk children. (JM)
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