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Florida mulls 'open carry' gun law

PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- Despite some U.S. officials urging stricter gun laws in the wake of the Arizona shooting, a Florida bill would make the "open carry" of guns on hips legal.

Senate Bill 234 filed December in Tallahassee by Republican state Sen. Greg Evers would allow people with concealed weapons permits to wear handguns on their hips, the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post reported Sunday.

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Evers says he expects the display of guns will avoid misunderstandings where law enforcement is concerned.

"A gust of wind makes a suit coat flap open and the person is in trouble," Evers said.

But Evers also inferred a display of guns is good for society, the Post reported.

"Do I think that will deter crime?" he asked. "Absolutely."

Dana Sanchez Quist, South Florida spokeswoman for the Washington-based Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence, opposes the bill.

"What do they want, to bring back the Wild West?" she asked. "We are supposed to be a civilized country and we are encouraging people who say, 'Respect me because I have a gun'."

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