Appeals Court says churches can ban guns without posting signs

ST. PAUL (AP) The Minnesota Court of Appeals says churches can ban guns from their property, and they don't have to follow a state law specifying how to post signs that say guns are prohibited.

The Appeals Court also says churches can ban guns in their parking lots, day-care centers and other charitable, educational and nonprofit facilities owned by churches.

Today's decision was a victory for two churches that sued to challenge part of the 2005 state law that allows residents with permits to carry concealed handguns.

Edina Community Lutheran Church and Unity Church of St. Paul had argued that the law placed an undue burden on churches and infringed on their property rights.

The state argued the restrictions imposed only a minimal burden on the religious institutions.

Information from: Star Tribune, http://www.startribune.com (Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 02-05-08 1327CST | save this article / add to your favorites list