ALEXANDRIA (LBM)—Louisiana is an open carry state, meaning any gun must be in plain sight unless the bearer has a concealed carry permit.
But in both instances, open and concealed carry, there are restrictions: Guns are prohibited on school campuses, federal facilities, and places that serve alcoholic beverages, for instance (not a complete list).
Moreover, private property owners, including churches, can restrict people from open carrying on their respective properties, too.
Importantly, according to Louisiana Revised Statute 40:1379.3, it is illegal to conceal carry in a church, unless:
— the pastor approves weapons on campus;
— the congregation is informed that weapons are present;
— the person with the weapon has a normal concealed carry permit, and,
— that person completes eight hours of additional “tactical” training, annually.
