Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo bans open carry, concealed handguns for 2016

[SecularMotion]

"The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, in an effort to provide a safe environment and promote a family-friendly atmosphere at the city's iconic entertainment event, will prohibit concealed and open carry of handguns by private citizens at the 2016 Show," the organization said in a release Tuesday afternoon.

Open carry of firearms has been a hot topic in Texas since a new law went into effect Jan. 1 which allowed licensed handgun carriers to openly wear their weapons both in public, and private establishments that allow it.

A number of businesses – most notably the Houston Zoo – have stepped forward to say they will not allow the open carry of weapons on their grounds, however RodeoHouston's decision may be the biggest made so far involving a public event (especially an event that so vividly recalls the gun-loving mystique and lore of the cowboy and American West).

Joel Cowley, president and chief executive officer of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, spoke to reporters on Tuesday afternoon about the private, non-profit entity’s decision.

http://www.chron.com/houston/article/Houston-Livestock-Show-and-Rodeo-bans-open-carry-6834277.php

[S_B_Jackson]

1. Actually this is nothing new - and it's mandated by state law...

The Livestock Show and Rodeo is both an interscholastic event as well - most exhibitors are high-school ag students competing for scholarships by showing their animals - and as a professional sporting event - the HLSS&R is one of the more lucrative stops on the professional rodeo circuit.

As such it is has always been covered under (b)(2) of Texas Penal Code Section 46.035:

(b) A license holder commits an offense if the license holder intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly carries a handgun regardless of whether the handgun is concealed or carried in a shoulder or belt holster, on or about the license holder ’s person:
(1) on the premises of a business that has a permit or license issued under Chapter 25, 28, 32, 69, or 74, Alcoholic Beverage Code, if the business derives 51 percent or more of its income from the sale or service of alcoholic beverages for on-premises consumption, as determined by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission under Section 104.06, Alcoholic Beverage Code;

(2) on the premises where a high school, collegiate, or professional sporting event or interscholastic event is taking place, unless the license holder is a participant in the event and a handgun is used in the event;

(3) on the premises of a correctional facility;

(4) on the premises of a hospital licensed under Chapter 241, Health and Safety Code, or on the premises of a nursing facility licensed under Chapter 242, Health and Safety Code, unless the license holder has written authorization of the hospital or nursing facility [home] administration, as appropriate;

(5) in an amusement park; or

(6) on the premises of a church, synagogue, or other established place of religious worship.

[nichomachus]

2. But I thought guns made us safer. What's up with that? n/t

[Eleanors38]

4. SEE: #1 and 3. Thanks in advance!

[Duckhunter935]

5. well, glad they are just following state law

[ileus]

6. Only the user can make us safer.

The gun is just a device designed for saving lives, it requires an aware and trained operator.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

7. Feel safer?

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

8. I subscribe to the...

...Clint Eastwood rule of gun control:

[hack89]

3. Looks like Texas gun laws are more nuanced than grabbers want to admit. nt