A federal appeals court is set to consider whether Georgia's ban on guns in places of worship is constitutional.

The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta will hear arguments Thursday on whether the 2010 law violates the First Amendment's religious freedom protections.

The challenge was brought by GeorgiaCarry.org. The gun rights group maintains that religious institutions should be allowed to decide whether to allow firearms inside.

State lawyers counter that the ban allows worshippers to pray in safety.

Tags: Georgia, guns, state law, churches, Georgia.org, gun ban