RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate has approved legislation that would make it easier to bring a gun to a place of worship.

The GOP-controlled Senate narrowly voted to support the legislation Thursday. The bill would repeal a law that prohibits people from bringing guns and knives to a place of worship during a religious service without a “good and sufficient” reason.

Democrats say the bill would make places of worship unsafe. Republicans say individual places of worship should be able to make their own decisions about whether to allow guns on site.

The bill still has to pass the House and if it passes, it is likely to be vetoed by Democratic Gov. Ralph Northam.

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