#open-carry

#open-carry

The councilor's comments came a day after it was reported that she was drafting an ordinance that would allow councilors to openly carry weapons while at City Hall, as an extra layer of self defense. Portland city codes prohibit the possession of a loaded firearm in public spaces or vehicles, with exceptions for those with a concealed carry permit, law enforcement officers, and others designated in Oregon law.

The state already permitted carrying weapons as long as they were kept inside a car or somewhere out of public view, but a court declared a 1987 ruling prohibiting open carry unconstitutional. Now, people can walk around with pistols in their waistbands or rifles and submachine guns slung on their shoulders, except in places where it is expressly prohibited, such as businesses or private properties, which decide whether or not to allow it.