Group Encourages Familiarity With Concealed Carry Restrictions

Clergy and Laity for Non-Violence, a group open to any clergy or lay members of congregations and religious groups McHenry County, is concerned that the public may not be fully aware of what public places such as schools and hospitals may prohibit fire arms under the new Illinois Firearm Concealed Carry Act which went into effect in January.

The group has issued the following statement for the public:

“In light of the new ‘concealed carry' law in Illinois, the McHenry County group known as Clergy and Laity for Non-Violence is encouraging all citizens to make themselves familiar with the “prohibited” places such as schools, hospitals, and other public spaces. Signage forbidding concealed carry weapons is mandatory, but compliance at this early stage of implementation is uneven.

“Citizens should also be aware of their legal options to declare other spaces gun free. Churches and other places of worship, for instance, are not places that the law prohibits. But they can voluntarily become gun free – or prohibited – places. We strongly encourage all churches and other places of worship to do so and also encourage businesses and other organizations to do the same.

“For more information, contact your local police department or go to https://ccl4illinois.com/ccw/Public/AboutTheAct.aspx.”

Clergy and Laity for Non-Violence committed to the principle of non-violence whether it is in opposition to gun homicide, domestic violence, bullying in school, or any other form of violence.

Signing the public statement were The Rev. Lori M. Lowe, The Rev. Carrie Smith, Michael A. Rugh, The Rev. Dan Larsen, and Joy Martin.

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