Westminster City Council members recently heard from various community members regarding the decision to opt out of a Colorado law that bans guns in sensitive spaces. The law, Senate Bill 24-131, went into effect on July 1, 2024, making it a class 1 misdemeanor to bring a firearm into a building where a local government’s governing body meeting is being conducted. However, the law allows local governments to opt out.
During the council meeting, Councillor David DeMott requested that the city council take action to opt out of the legislation, allowing concealed handgun permit holders to carry their weapons in Westminster’s municipal building. City staff recommended not opting out, citing increased security at city hall by limiting firearms.
Members of Moms Demand Action attended the meeting, expressing concerns about safety during times of political volatility. However, others spoke in favor of opting out, arguing that the law hampers the ability of law-abiding citizens to defend themselves and limits constitutional rights.
After a heated debate and public comments, the measure to opt out was defeated by a vote of 4-3. Castle Rock held a similar discussion and chose to opt out of the policy.
The issue of guns in sensitive spaces continues to divide the community as different viewpoints clash over the balance between security and individual rights. Despite the decision not to opt out in Westminster, the debate surrounding this controversial law is likely to continue.
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