Sunday Mornings with Rania: Open Carry Laws

Rania Mankarious is executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

Two weeks ago, I was with my kids at an event in Houston. My 6-year-old tugged my hand as we walked.

Mommy, why is that policeman not wearing his “superhero” uniform? (That’s what she calls law enforcement uniforms; I love it and don’t correct her).

It took me a minute to place what she was asking; then I saw him, a handsome man wearing beige slacks, a white pin-striped button down shirt and his handgun strapped on his belt.

Well, he’s not a police officer, he’s a person, just like me and daddy.

Why does he have a gun?

Some people like to carry a gun because it helps them stay safe.

Is a “bad guy” coming here? Why are we here if a bad guy is coming too?

No, we are not expecting a bad guy; we would never bring you to a place that’s dangerous.

So why the gun? Maybe it’s fun to carry?

No! It’s not fun to carry. Let’s talk about this when we get home.

Earlier this week, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo joined the Houston Zoo and made the decision to ban open carry and concealed handguns for 2016. After that conversation with my child, I was honestly relieved when I read about the rodeo’s decision.

As of Jan. 1, 2016, a new law went into effect allowing licensed handgun carriers to openly wear their weapons both in public and private establishments. Regardless of your position on this issue, I think parents agree that we have to talk to our kids about what this means. Whether you’re in a home with guns or a home where they are banned, gun safety is a must-have conversation for all kids, starting at all ages. Here are some talking points for parents:

• If you see an open firearm, never touch it. Run away and tell a grown-up.
• Firearms are NEVER to be explored, played with or even picked up.
• If no adult is in the room where a firearm is located, run out of the space.
• Those who wear guns openly but are not police officers or soldiers are adults, wearing it lawfully, have taken tests and understand the responsibility.
• If a bad guy were to come in, they don’t step in to act as “law enforcement” – they cannot take out their weapon to proactively stop a crime.  
• Those who carry a weapon do so out of a love for Texas culture and in an effort to exercise their 2nd amendment rights; it’s not an indication of safety or lack thereof.

So parents, I know this is a hot topic for many of you. I want to hear from you, what will you be telling your kids?

If you see someone carrying a weapon and it appears suspicious or if they are on private property where open carry is prohibited, here’s important information on how to respond. 

See more information on open carry. 

Read past Sundays with Rania posts. 

Editor's Note: Views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Buzz Magazines.