GA2A Warns South Fulton Against Proposed Ordinance

Dear Councilwoman Willis,

I am writing you in response to current news articles saying you intend to introduce an ordinance in South Fulton banning carrying weapons in parks. Please be advised that such an ordinance would be preempted and unenforceable. I refer you to OCGA 16-11-173, which prohibits municipalities from regulating the possession or carrying of weapons “in any manner.” The Court of Appeals has interpreted this statute to prohibit cities and counties from enacting ordinances against carrying weapons in parks. GeorgiaCarry.Org, Inc. v. Coweta County, 288 Ga.App. 748, 655 S.E.2d 346 (2007). In that case, GeorgiaCarry.Org, Inc. sued Coweta County because it had an ordinance banning carrying guns in parks. The Court of Appeals ruled that the ordinance was invalid.

I ask that you reconsider your plan before proceeding further with it.

John Monroe
Vice President and General Counsel
GA2A (formerly known as GeorgiaCarry.Org)