By Associated Press
Oklahoma City, OK – Okla. House sends open carry bill to governor
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahomans soon may have the right to openly carry a gun in public.
Members of the state House voted 74-24 on Tuesday for the bill to allow those with a concealed-handgun license to carry the firearm openly. The measure now heads to the governor for consideration.
To carry a handgun openly, citizens must meet the background check and training requirements currently needed to obtain a license.
House author Rep. Rex Duncan says the new law would deter criminals.
Those who opposed the bill said the carrying of an open weapon in public is intimidating for many people. Even supporters of the state's concealed carry law say they fear more businesses will ban handguns altogether if people carry weapons openly.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.