Gun-rights activists focusing on Texas

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- Gun-rights activists say they hope to earn a major victory in their fight to carry firearms proudly by helping pass an open-carry firearm law in Texas.

Opencarry.org co-founder Mike Stollenwerk said supporters of the proposed state law have begun targeting both state residents and lawmakers in attempt to get the state Legislature to pass the bill in January, the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said Sunday.

"We are targeting Texas," Stollenwerk said. "Texas is probably the most pro-gun state, but doesn't have open-carry laws."

An online petition in support of the proposed law has already garnered more than 28,000 names.

Texas resident and gun-rights supporter Ralph Carroll told the Star-Telegram the proposal to allow carrying a firearm out in the open is simply part of his right to defend himself.

"I just simply want to ensure I have self-protection if the need arises," Carroll said. "The same reason I wear my seat belt, carry a spare tire and have a working fire extinguisher."

Carroll also disputed arguments by opponents of such pro-firearm legislation that an increased presence of firearms would lead to increased firearm violence in society.