Open Carry Ban: Common Sense Or Violation of Your Rights?

Raising the ire of gun enthusiasts statewide, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law late Sunday a measure that will make it illegal to openly carry unloaded firearms in public.

The legislation has aroused the ire of gun owners and gun enthusiasts who believe the enactment bill is a violation of their Second Amendment rights.

California had been one of many states that allowed the so-called “open carry” of firearms. Carrying loaded firearms in public is already against the law in California.

will make it a crime to openly carry an unloaded handgun in any public place or street.

The ban will go into effect Jan. 1, 2012.

Violations will be a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.

Law enforcement personnel are exempt, as are hunters and others carrying unloaded weapons under specified licensed circumstances.

The dispute came to a head last year when gun enthusiasts began showing up in coffee shops, restaurants and public beaches with unloaded guns strapped to their hips.

A story about the ban on SFGate.com showed a man in San Leandro wearing a firearm.