Why should we NOT allow open or concealed carry in VA parks? The people of the state of Virginia have already voted YES on the right to protect our families. How can we justify a ban on public land maintained by the state?

I guarantee that there are already folks carrying concealed in state parks. Criminals. Do any of our legislators truly believe that criminals care if they are breaking the law? Do you truly believe that criminals DON’T visit our state parks?

CHP and open carry advocates are among the most law-abiding citizens of any state. When was the last time you saw a headline that read, “CHP holder goes on shooting rampage”? Believe me, it would be national headlines.

Pros and Cons on this issue vary in that some of us want to “FEEL” safe while others would prefer to BE safe. Banning guns from any public or private venue may make some people feel safe but the reality is that criminals don’t care what is legal or “allowed”. Keeping the state park system “gun free” only keeps it vulnerable to criminals. I hate to break it to the "feel safe" folks and the legislators that want to give them warm and fuzzy feelings but, there ARE NO GUN FREE ZONES to criminals.

A ban on park carry jeopardizes law-abiding citizens from the time they leave their homes until they return, not just while on park property.

Pass the petition.