GA Lawmakers Take Up Abortion, Gun Rights

Debate continues at the state capitol on Friday as lawmakers are in the midst of dealing with some their most divisive issues -- among them are abortion and gun rights.

Goveor Deal signed into law a piece of legislation that would allow military trained nurses to be licensed in Georgia on Thursday. But much more controversial legislation is up for debate.

If passed -- gun legislation being debated at the Gold Dome would expand the list of places gun owners with a permit could carry their weapons -- adding public colleges, non-secured areas of airports, and the capitol building.

"We're talking about individuals who are over the age of 21, who have also gone through background checks, who are fingerprinted and are law abiding citizens that they would be able to carry these locations and state law would not prohibit them," said State Rep. Sean Jerguson/(R) Cherokee County.

Guns would still be banned in courtrooms, jails and nuclear facilities. Bill opponents fear it could increase opportunities for violence.

"Not everyone has a cool head and the ability to get through a situation without knowing that on their hip is a gun and if someone makes them mad, they have it available to them or that other people aren't going to feel threatened by the presence of a gun," said State Rep. Alisha Thomas Morgan/(D) Cobb County.

Also being debated is an amendment to the constitution allowing the state to create charter schools without taking funding away from public school systems.

And several bills are aimed at restricting abortions. Some would block health care plans from giving abortion coverage and another would outlaw abortions at the 20th week of pregnancy except when the woman's health is at serious risk.

"I think in Georgia we can do better. We need a bright line standard for when an abortion is permitted and when an abortion is prohibited by the state's compelling interest in protecting life," said Rep. Doug McKillip/(R) Athens.

"It's taking away the rights that were promised to us in the federal courts and I think it's very dangerous territory to be going into," said Bobbie Paul of the Georgia Women's Action for New Directions.

Much work remains to be done. The current legislative session ends sometime in mid-April.