Tenn. Cities Fire Back at Gun Bills

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Tennessee cities are rolling-out resolutions, firing back at gun legislation out of Nashville. In Memphis for his "Books from Birth Foundation," Governor Phil Bredesen says he supports local leaders "opting out" of guns in parks.

"I'm glad to see that start to happen across the state," Governor Bredesen said.

Germantown will take-on a resolution to ban guns in parks, and, in any city-owned public place. Assistant City Administrator George Brogdon says the city has 26 parks.

"We were concerned because our parks are beside schools, they're beside churches. Almost every park backs up to someone's home," Brogdon said.

Governor Bredesen did not veto the guns in park bill.

"I vetoed one piece of the legislation that I thought was very outrageous, the guns in bars piece of it. That got quickly overridden," Governor Bredesen said.

Now, it's up individual restaurant and bar owners if they will allow those with "carry permits" to bring firearms inside, if they're not drinking. Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin doesn't know how realistic that is.

"You're not supposed to drink with your firearm. Well, you're not supposed to drive either. But there are going to be those who do those things and not everyone is that responsible," Godwin said.

More responsibility is what local leaders are finding they have to take-on with the new gun laws. The governor says, these are signs of the majority. He believes lawmakers heard a loud minority.

"They did a very good lobbying job. They put a lot of political pressure on an awful lot of people I think," Governor Bredesen said.

If local resolutions are not passed, city and county owned-parks will allow guns after September first. However, many local governments, including Memphis and Shelby County, are working on resolutions that would ban guns in parks. Also, Beale Street management says guns won't be allowed on the famous street, or, inside the establishments. Starting July 17-th, all visitors will go thru a screening process for guns.