With the frequent amount of shooting tragedies in the nation within the last couple of years, many citizens and politicians are reviewing the state’s gun policy to get a better understanding of their right to bear arms in Indiana.
The increasing fear of gun violence in the country might make employers act rashly should they discover a firearm in your possession, and you should not have to suffer the consequences for their misunderstanding. While Indiana is more lenient than other states when it comes to who can carry guns and where, it is important for employees to know their rights and limitations before deciding to take a gun to work.
Location laws
The state does allow you to carry handguns in public as long as you have a license. There are only a few exceptions to areas you absolutely cannot have a firearm in. These places include:
- Any school-related function or property
- Commercial airports and aircraft
- The Indiana State Fair
- The shipping port
- A riverboat casino
If you do not work at any of these, you’re not off the hook yet. Private businesses can also ban guns from their premises. However, you also have the right to keep a loaded handgun in your car if you have a license, so you can leave it in there while you work. Thanks to a 2010 law, employers cannot fire you if they find a firearm in your car while it is on business property.
Nosy employers
In 2011, the state passed another law which restricts employers from asking employees to disclose guns they might be carrying. Some employers treat workers that carry firearms differently. If the employer asks it during a job interview, it could lead to them selecting someone else for the position. The law also states that they should not be able to fire a worker if the worker refuses to give information about their gun.
Though some might see employers that directly question and judge their employees on firearm use as cautious, gun owners can feel like their boss is being intrusive and could potentially commit biased acts in the future. If you were fired or unfairly treated by your employer for legally carrying a firearm, you should contact an attorney that specializes in employment law to recover any damages their behavior did to you.