Missouri votes against banning children from carrying guns in public

The Republican-led Missouri state house on Wednesday voted against banning minors from openly carrying firearms on public land without adult supervision.

The proposal to ban children from carrying guns without adult supervision in public failed by a 104-39 vote. Only one Republican voted in support.

In 2017, Missouri lawmakers repealed concealed carry requirements in most situations.

The measure was part of an hours-long debate on the best way to fight crime, particularly in the St Louis area.

Republicans decried the effort as an unneeded infringement on gun rights.

Other provisions in the measure would allow the governor to appoint a special prosecutor in counties with high crime rates, a provision targeted at the St Louis circuit attorney Kim Gardner.

She is one of several progressive prosecutors elected in recent years with a focus on creating more fairness in the criminal justice system. Republicans say she is not doing enough to fight crime.