A state representative in Upper Peninsula of Michigan has just introduced a controversial new bill that has ignited conversations amongst residents. The new bill will essentially allow legal firearm owners with concealed carry permits to take their guns in previously gun-free zones such as schools and other establishments. The proposal understandably has been met with a lot of arguments from both sides.

Proposal argument

According to the state representative for the 108th District, Beau LaFave, the new proposal only makes sense as law-abiding citizens should be able to carry their firearms with them anywhere they want without restriction. LaFave argues that gun-free zones are only inviting criminal elements to attack these places seeing as that people within these areas are basically defenseless.

The state representative further explains that those who have already passed an FBI Background Check have basically proven themselves to be law abiding citizens and concealed carry permit owners have already undergone extensive training sessions with their weapons.  He argues that there should be no reason for these owners to be restricted from carrying their weapons with them in establishments such as bars, schools, churches, and events.

A class trip outside the Peter White Public Library. (Photo by: Jeffrey Greenberg/UIG via Getty Images)

Conditional proposal

If the bill does end up turning into a law, it would still require firearm owners to conceal their weapons at all times when entering gun-free zones. It also stipulates that private property owners will still have the final decision on whether or not they would allow concealed weapons in their establishments, but this is an entirely different story in government owned facilities.

Strong opposition

The proposed new bill has however encountered a strong opposition from concerned citizens including those working in the education sector. Marquette Area Public Schools Superintendent, Bill Saunders, explains that schools have always been a place of safety for students and bringing in firearms would only serve to compromise that safety. Saunders furthers argues that parents will likely not be feeling safe knowing that firearms are now being allowed in schools.