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Herring

The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill Wednesday that would grant concealed carry rights to any person who takes out a protective order and is able to legally possess a gun.

Democrats argued the legislation could make people less safe by introducing more guns into potentially volatile domestic violence situations. Republicans pitched the bill as a way to empower victims, particularly women, who they said should not have to wait in line for a permit to be able to defend themselves in a crisis.

“There are those of us on this side of the aisle who philosophically don’t believe you should have to get your government’s permission to protect yourself in any way you see fit,” the bill’s patron, Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, had said during a floor debate Tuesday.

Del. Marcus B. Simon, D-Fairfax, said allowing frightened people to carry concealed handguns without training could create more danger.

“I just believe that that makes those people more vulnerable,” Simon said. “It makes them less safe.”