A Tennessee law allowing employees to bring their guns to work and leave them in their cars was amended earlier this month and signed into law by Republican Gov. Bill Haslam.
The previous version of the "Guns in Parking Lots" legislation protected concealed carry permit holders from being prosecuted for bringing guns onto company property, but did not protect the workers from being fired.
The law was signed in 2013, and was dubbed the "Lose Your Job if You Commute Act" by the Tennessee Firearms Association. The newer version of the law is more agreeable to gun advocates.
"No employer shall discharge or take any adverse employment action against an employee solely for transporting or storing a firearm or firearms ammunition in an employer parking area," the law now reads.
According to Fox News, about half a million Tennessee residents have permits to carry weapons, and hunting is also popular in the southern state. The Republican-dominated Congress overwhelmingly approved the measure, but many Democrats and gun control advocates opposed the legislation.
"It's outrageous," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Mike Stewart. "What's next? Are we going to have a law that forces a family to let an armed person into their living room? Where does it stop?"
The State Chamber of Commerce also opposed the law, as it requires businesses to allow armed persons onto their properties.
"It violates our personal property rights and tramples all over it," said Vice President of the State's Chamber of Commerce Bradley Jackson. Jackson also said the legislation poses a safety threat.
"It's going to be costly to defend in court," he added.
According to the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, most states ban weapons on school property and in government buildings, while others also prohibit guns in places of worship, establishments were alcohol is served, voting sites, and other locations.
