The Town Where Gun Ownership Is Required By Law

Kennesaw, Georgia, a suburban city northwest of Atlanta, is known for its unique law requiring every head of household to own a firearm. This ordinance, passed in 1982, has sparked curiosity and debate for decades. 

While some see it as a bold statement on public safety, others view it as a relic of the past. Here’s a closer look at this unusual law and its implications.

Why The Law Was Created: 

The Kennesaw gun ordinance was introduced as a response to a handgun ban enacted in Morton Grove, Illinois. City officials intended the law to serve as both a political statement and a crime deterrent. 

The ordinance states that every head of household must maintain a firearm and ammunition to “protect the safety, security, and general welfare” of the city’s residents. 

However, exemptions are provided for individuals with physical or mental disabilities, financial constraints, religious objections, or felony convictions.

Why The Law Remains On The Books:

Although the law remains on the books, it is largely symbolic. Local authorities do not enforce compliance, and no arrests or penalties have been issued for noncompliance since its enactment. 

Kennesaw’s Mayor Derek Easterling has emphasized that the ordinance was never intended to force residents into gun ownership but rather to make a political point during an era of national debates over gun control.

Does It Work:

Supporters of the law argue that it has contributed to Kennesaw’s low crime rates. Between 2015 and 2019, only one murder was reported in the city. 

Proponents believe that the awareness of widespread gun ownership acts as a deterrent to criminals. 

However, critics counter that other factors, such as community policing and socioeconomic conditions, play more significant roles in maintaining safety.

A Town Misunderstood:

Kennesaw’s reputation often precedes it due to this ordinance. Some outsiders expect it to be a high-crime area or filled with visible firearms. 

However, residents and officials describe Kennesaw as an ordinary suburban town with good schools and a strong sense of community. 

Mayor Easterling notes that many visitors are surprised by how normal life is in Kennesaw despite its unusual law.

The Legacy Of The Ordinance:

Kennesaw’s gun law remains an interesting chapter in American history. While similar laws exist in towns like Virgin, Utah, and Gun Barrel City, Texas, Kennesaw was the first to adopt such legislation. 

Over time, the ordinance has become more of a talking point than an active policy but continues to spark discussions about gun rights and public safety.

A Strange Footnote In A Growing City:

Today, Kennesaw is better known for its historical landmarks and growing population than for its gun law. 

From Civil War battlefields to Kennesaw State University, the city offers much more than its controversial ordinance. 

For residents, the law is just one part of their town’s identity—a strange fact that often overshadows the vibrant community they call home.