US state wants fans to carry guns into stadiums

The US state of Washington is wanting to pass legislation that will allow fans to carry concealed weapons into arenas and stadiums. Photo / Getty

The state of Washington in the US is wanting to pass a new bill in its legislature which will allow fans to carry guns into stadiums.

If passed, it would be an unusual anomoly for the Washington-based Seattle Seahawks, whose current "ban-list" at their home stadium is considered to be one of the most strict - including air horns, laptops, "speciality coffees," and personal footballs.

The bill has been introduced for the legislative session beginning in January and, if successfully processed, would allow concealed carry weapons into all arenas and stadiums.

In its current form, it would also keep public stadium authoriies and private groups that operate facilities, from setting any rules against concealed carry weapons.

It has been proposed by three Republican representatives - Matt Shea, David Taylor, and Bob McCaslin - and even has a stipulation which says local governments can not bypass the law.

"A local governmental entity may not, whether by law, ordinance, regulation, rule, policy, or contractual agreement, prohibit persons with a valid concealed pistol license from carrying a concealed pistol in any stadium, convention center, arena, or similar facility, or on the grounds of any such facility."

Once again, America's gun laws have been thrust into the spotlight, and it could only be a matter of months before a major stadium incident.