Washington Legislators Propose Bill to Allow Carrying in Sports Stadiums

Washington legislators have proposed a bill that would allow sports fans to carry in stadiums throughout the Evergreen State.

HB1015 aims to shoot down the strict gun-free policies at such venues as Safeco Field and CenturyLink Field by mandating that the privately owned sporting complexes could not restrict legally armed citizens from exercising their right to bear arms on their property.

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As written, the legislation would “prohibit restrictions on the carrying of a concealed pistol by persons with a valid concealed pistol license in certain facilities.”

The bill is being championed by Republican representatives Matt Shea, David Taylor and Bob McCaslin.

But of course there is plenty of ignorant criticism to be heard regarding the proposed legislation. For example, in covering the political policy, Sports Illustrated said:

Regardless, potentially arming fans in stadiums, where alcohol runs freely and emotions often run high, seems like a risky idea, to say the least.

I’ve been in plenty of situations where emotions have run high and I’ve had access to alcohol, but I’ve never pulled my gun or shot anyone because I know the law and I take the responsibility of carrying very seriously. Pretty sure most gun owners are are serious about their right to carry as I am.

The bill does not tackle any other items currently banned from the Seattle Seahawks’ stadium like air horns, laptops, “specialty coffees,” and personal footballs. We’ll keep you posted on its progress.


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