This spring, Bethlehem Township's municipal parks will be a place for the local athletic association, known as the Bulldogs, to host baseball, softball and soccer games. But it will also be a place to sport a 454 Raging Bull revolver.

Resident Glenn Krier, who is with the Second Amendment Committee of the Lehigh Valley Tea Party, warned Commissioners that "[y]ou'll probably see people walking through the parks, carrying firearms."

Krier, who came unarmed to the commissioners' meeting because he didn't want to "antagonize anybody," said a township ordinance banning guns in parks is pre-empted by state law. The state has the sole authority to regulate guns. Under a new law, groups like the NRA or even the Tea Party can sue municipalities with illegal gun bans. They can also open carry at municipal meetings.

Thus far, nearly two dozen municipalities have repealed gun bans in municipal parks. Locally, Bethlehem has repealed its gun ban, and Allentown is expected to do so soon.

Guns in parks: What could possibly go wrong?ity to regulate guns. Under a new law, groups like the NRA or even the Tea Party can sue municipalities with illegal gun bans. They can also open carry at municipal meetings.

Thus far, nearly two dozen municipalities have repealed gun bans in municipal parks. Locally, Bethlehem has repealed its gun ban, and Allentown is expected to do so soon.

Guns in parks: What could possibly go wrong?ity to regulate guns. Under a new law, groups like the NRA or even the Tea Party can sue municipalities with illegal gun bans. They can also open carry at municipal meetings.

Thus far, nearly two dozen municipalities have repealed gun bans in municipal parks. Locally, Bethlehem has repealed its gun ban, and Allentown is expected to do so soon.

Guns in parks: What could possibly go wrong?