A bill allowing Alabamians to carry a concealed weapon without a permit Tuesday was rejected by a state senate committee. In a 6-5 vote, the Senate Tourism and Marketing Committee voted down the proposal, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Cottondale). Two Republicans, David Sessions of Grand Bay and Randy Price of Opelika, joined with all Democrats to kill the bill. Opponents, including gun control groups and some sheriffs, said eliminating the permits would make the public less safe. But supporters, including the NRA, said that citizens should not be required to pay for exercising their right to self-defense. They referred to the bill as "Constitutional carry."
Photo: Getty Images