A Thomaston minister is trying to overturn Georgia laws that prohibit the carrying of guns in churches.

In a suit mailed to the Superior Court of Upson County Friday, plaintiff the Rev. Jonathan Wilkins accuses Georgia officials of violating his First and Second Amendment rights by enforcing state code restricting the carrying of guns in places of worship.

The suit, filed on behalf of Wilkins, The Baptist Tabernacle of Thomaston and a handful of gun rights advocates, follows the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in favor of Americans' right to possess guns.

Attorney John Monroe says Wilkins hopes to carry a gun for protection following a series of recent church shootings.

The suit names the state of Georgia and Upson County as defendants.

Contributors: Rickey Bevington

Tags: law, gun, gun rights, Rev. Jonathan Wilkins, Upson County, Baptise Tabernacle of Thomaston