The Louisiana legislature has passed an “open carry law” that will turn every city and town in Louisiana into dodge city, with citizens packing AR-15s and glocks, without the need for permits or training. The governor plans to sign it, and it will go into effect on July 4, 2024.
This is not a good thing, especially for the African-American community.
The new law will allow permitless concealed carry of firearms for individuals 18 years of age and older, who are not prohibited under state or federal law from possessing a firearm.
While proponents argue that this move strengthens the Second Amendment rights, it is imperative to scrutinize the potential ramifications, especially within the African-American community, which may have deep-seated reservations regarding the enforcement of this law, which even now is weighted against us.
One cannot overlook the historical context in which African-Americans have navigated our relationship with law enforcement and the justice system. The proposed law, while seemingly neutral, does not exist in a vacuum. There are legitimate concerns about how it will be applied across different communities. The fear is not unfounded that African-Americans carrying concealed weapons, even lawfully, might face disproportionate scrutiny or adverse interactions with law enforcement. The implicit biases and systemic inequities that persist could exacerbate such disparities.
Furthermore, Louisiana’s decision to lower the age requirement for concealed carry to 18 raises questions about the maturity and decision-making capabilities of younger carriers. The implications of having more firearms in public spaces, without the requisite permits that require background checks and training, could have unforeseen consequences for public safety.
The legislature ignored the issue of whether this law might inadvertently increase the risks faced by communities already vulnerable to gun violence.
The exemptions provided under present law, including prohibitions on carrying concealed weapons in specific locations such as schools, places of worship, and government buildings, remain under the proposed law. However, the shift to permitless carry fundamentally alters the landscape in which these restrictions operate. The reliance on individuals to self-regulate without the oversight of a permitting process could lead to situations where firearms are brought into sensitive environments, either knowingly or unknowingly, heightening the risk of tragic incidents.
Moreover, the new law’s impact on private property rights and the ability of property owners to restrict or prohibit concealed firearms on their premises is another area of concern. While the new law retains the right of property owners to set their own policies, the shift to permitless carry could complicate the enforcement of these preferences, leading to potential conflicts and confusion.
The new law was passed without engaging in a thorough and inclusive debate on the matter. The concerns of the African-American community, in particular, were not taken into account to ensure that any changes to gun control policies are equitable, just, and do not inadvertently compromise the safety and rights of any segment of the population.
The ultimate goal should be to foster a safe, inclusive, and just society for Louisiana citizens.
We don’t think everyone walking with guns on their hips like in Westerns is a good idea.
Remember, there are very few episodes of Gunsmoke where someone packing a gun didn’t shoot somebody.
Turning each Louisiana town and city into Dodge City won’t make them become Mayberry, but will increase the number of people buried on Boot Hill.
