DEENA WINTER / Lincoln Journal Star | Posted: Sunday, August 20, 2006 7:00 pm
The City Council didn’t like the idea of banning concealed weapons within city limits, but it did decide Monday to be more choosy about who can possess firearms in Lincoln.
It’s already illegal to possess firearms in Lincoln if you’ve been convicted of certain crimes, such as stalking, resisting arrest or violating a protection order.
The City Council voted to add more crimes to that list, including assault, drug crimes, unlawful intrusion, domestic assault and public indecency. The ban would apply to people who have been convicted within the past 10 years.
The legislation passed without discussion.
Last month, the City Council rejected Mayor Coleen Seng’s proposal to ban concealed weapons in Lincoln. But when the state begins allowing people to get concealed weapons permits in January, people convicted of these crimes would not be able to legally possess the guns in Lincoln.
Lincoln Police Chief Tom Casady supported the ordinance, saying it will help keep guns out of the hands of more criminals.
The National Rifle Association opposed the ordinance, saying it would create a patchwork of gun laws within the state and region.
Violations of the ordinance will be a misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of $500 and up to six months in jail.
Separately, the City Council approved a ban on firearms or dangerous weapons in city and county buildings.
The ordinance defines a “dangerous weapon” as any firearm, stun gun, knife over 31/2 inches long, switchblade, air gun or any other instrument whose use is “intended or likely to cause death or bodily injury” or “capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing or tearing wounds.”
The state concealed weapons law bans concealed weapons in government buildings that contain courthouses or city hall meetings. But Lincoln’s ordinance would expand that to include unconcealed weapons.
Earlier this summer a gun rights advocate made brought an unconcealed, loaded pistol to a City Council meeting to make a point.
To address concerns that the ordinance would prevent the Pershing Center from hosting a gun show, for example, the council altered the legislation to allow guns or knives at gun shows or exhibitions.
Over the objections of the three Republicans, the council also added domestic violence or substance abuse facilities or shelters to the list of places people won’t be allowed to carry weapons. The Republicans said they’d rather see each facility decide whether it wants to ban weapons and put up signs.
The overall ban, however, was supported unanimously.
Reach Deena Winter at 473-2642 or dwinter@journalstar.com.