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              US Republican Governor Vetoes Campus Gun Carry Bill

   by Lou Lorscheider

   The governor of Georgia has vetoed a controversial bill backed by his
   Republican colleagues that would have allowed college students to carry
   concealed guns on campuses across the state.

   Tuesday's veto came nearly a month after Nathan Deal angered religious
   conservatives in his state by vetoing so-called religious liberty
   legislation that would have extended legal protections to opponents of
   same-sex marriages.

   In his veto message Tuesday, Deal attached a note questioning the
   efficacy of the gun legislation.

   "If the intent of House Bill 859 is to increase the safety of students
   on college campuses, it is highly questionable that such would be the
   result," Del said in a statement.

   He also issued an executive order for higher education leaders in the
   state to report on campus security measures by August.

   Conservatives had long-pushed for the gun measure, known as the Campus
   Carry bill, describing it as a vital safety measure aimed at protecting
   students, faculty and administrators.

   Critics have ridiculed the measure, warning that Campus Carry would
   threaten public safety and open the door to a potential spike in campus
   violence.

   Deal came under intense pressure in March from major U.S. corporations
   to veto the religious liberty legislation, which had easily been
   approved by Georgia's Republican-dominated legislature.

   An array of companies, including the Disney entertainment conglomerate
   and technology giants Apple and Intel, threatened to limit or withdraw
   from business in the state, if the bill were signed.

   The companies said the religious liberty legislation would tacitly
   approve discrimination.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-republican-governor-vetoes-campus-
   gun-carry-bill/3314535.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-republican-governor-vetoes-campus-gun-carry-bill/3314535.html