The Real Story Behind the Kennesaw Gun Law and What Residents Think About It Today
Written by a long-time local who’s heard every version of the story
If you’ve lived in Kennesaw for a while, you’ve heard about the gun law. If you’ve lived here long enough, you’ve probably had to explain it to someone from out of town. The law has been part of Kennesaw’s identity since the early 1980s. Often referred to as Kennesaw’s gun law, it remains a defining and sometimes controversial feature of the city. It still sparks conversations. Some people love it. Some people think it’s more symbolic than practical. Either way, it’s one of the most talked-about parts of life in this city.
Here’s a straightforward look at where the local law came from, what it says, and how residents feel about it today. Kennesaw’s gun culture continues to shape the city’s identity and fuels ongoing debate.
Introduction to Kennesaw, Georgia
Nestled in the heart of the American South, Kennesaw, Georgia, is a small town with a population of about 33,000 people. While it may look like any other city in Cobb County at first glance, Kennesaw stands out for a unique reason: its city law requiring every head of household residing within the city limits to own a gun and ammunition. This gun law, passed in 1982, has become a defining part of the town’s identity and a frequent topic of conversation among residents and local officials.
Kennesaw’s gun law was created as a direct response to Morton Grove, Illinois, which became the first city in the country to ban gun ownership. In contrast, Kennesaw’s city leaders wanted to make a statement about the importance of gun rights and the role of firearms in their community. Over the years, the ordinance has been seen by many as a symbolic law—one that reflects the city’s values more than it dictates daily behavior.
Gun ownership runs deep in Kennesaw. Many families have passed down guns from one generation to the next, and local gun shop owners, like James Rayban, have long supported the law, seeing it as good for both business and community spirit. For some residents, the law is a point of pride, a sign that Kennesaw isn’t afraid to stand out. For others, it’s a source of embarrassment or a relic of a different era.
The law has drawn national attention over the decades, even landing Kennesaw on the cover of Penthouse Magazine in 1982. Despite the spotlight, the ordinance has remained on the books for more than 40 years, with no prosecutions or arrests for violating it. Some locals credit the law with helping keep crime rates low—there were no murders in town in 2023—while others see it as just another chapter in the city’s colorful history.
Whether you see it as a bold political statement or a quirky local tradition, Kennesaw’s gun law continues to shape how the city is seen by both residents and outsiders. It’s a reminder that in this small Georgia town, the conversation about guns, rights, and community values is never far from the surface.
Where the law started
In 1982, the City of Kennesaw passed a city ordinance, codified as Article II, Sec 34-21 of the city ordinance, requiring the head of every household to own a firearm and ammunition. This ordinance became a key part of the city’s gun laws. The law was passed in response to a handgun ban in Morton Grove, Illinois, and was compared to similar gun laws adopted in other cities. Kennesaw’s city council made the law as a political statement. They wanted to show support for gun ownership. It was meant to send a message, not to start door-to-door checks.
Right away, the law got national attention. News outlets called it bold, strange, or extreme. People outside Georgia didn’t know what to make of it. People inside Georgia weren’t that surprised. Kennesaw wasn’t trying to force anything. Supporters saw the law as a crime deterrent as well as a political statement. It was trying to make a point.
What the law actually says
The ordinance says every head of household residing within the city limits is required to maintain a firearm. But there are exceptions. The law does not apply to people with mental or physical disabilities. It does not apply to people with conflicting religious beliefs. It does not apply to those with felony convictions. And it does not apply to anyone who simply does not want to own a gun.
In short, the law has no penalty for not following it. No one gets fined or arrested. No one gets a letter in the mail. The law has always been symbolic. It’s a city statement, not a rule with teeth.
How the city changed after the law
Some supporters of the law say crime dropped after it passed. According to data from the Kennesaw Police Department, the city has maintained a low rate of violent crime, and there have been few gun crimes reported in recent years. Some critics say the change came from growth and better policing, not the ordinance. Either way, Kennesaw grew. The city expanded. New neighborhoods, schools, and businesses filled in. The gun law stayed on the books, but life kept moving forward.
Today, Kennesaw is a mix of long-time residents, young families, students, and business owners. Some know about the law. Some don’t. Some care deeply. Others shrug it off. It’s not something most people talk about every day, but it still comes up at cookouts, coffee shops, and barbershops.
What residents think today
Opinions vary. Some residents support the law fully. They say it shows the city values self-defense and independence, and point to the city’s embrace of its unique gun culture as a source of local pride. For some, gun ownership is seen as a cool thing, much like collecting art or rare items. They like that Kennesaw stands out. They feel safer knowing the law is on the books, even if it’s not enforced.
Others think the law is outdated. They say it was passed in a different time for a different reason. They don’t think it reflects the current values of every resident. Some would rather see it removed from the books quietly.
Most residents fall somewhere in the middle. They understand the history. They don’t see the law as something that affects daily life. They care more about schools, roads, and trees than ordinances that don’t get enforced.
How new residents react
People who move to Kennesaw from other cities often hear about the law during their first few months. Some are surprised. Some think it’s a joke until they look it up. For most, it doesn’t change their view of the city. They ask a few questions, then focus on local parks, grocery stores, and traffic on Barrett Parkway. Many also visit Main Street, the central hub where local culture and conversations about the law are part of everyday life.
Local real estate agents sometimes bring it up when showing homes. It doesn’t drive people away, but it does start conversations. Some new homeowners end up reading more about the city’s history because of it.
How the law affects daily life
It doesn’t. There are no inspections. No paperwork. No letters. No visits. The law is there, but you don’t feel it unless someone brings it up. Each gun owner in Kennesaw makes decisions based on personal needs and preferences. Gun safety is an important part of the community’s approach, with responsible practices emphasized to protect the safety, security, and general welfare of residents. Most people in Kennesaw make their own choices about gun ownership based on their needs and values.
You won’t find signs posted about the law. It doesn’t come up at city hall meetings unless someone outside the city asks about it. Locals think about weather, tree limbs, school schedules, and groceries. The law is part of Kennesaw’s past and reputation, but not part of its daily operations.
What keeps the law on the books
The city council has not made serious efforts to remove the law. According to the town’s three term mayor, Derek Easterling, the law is part of Kennesaw’s identity and continues to reflect the community’s values. Mayor Easterling has stated that the ordinance is “more about the message than enforcement,” emphasizing that it represents the town’s unique history and perspective on gun ownership. It doesn’t cost anything to keep it. It doesn’t cause legal issues. For many, it’s seen as a point of pride or tradition. It marks a moment when the city wanted to make a clear statement. That moment passed, but the law remains.
What locals say matters more
Locals care about safety, but they also care about good neighbors. They value community institutions like the local Baptist church, which plays a significant role in the town’s traditions and identity. They want clean yards, trimmed trees, and safe sidewalks. They want places to walk, play, and sit. They want their homes to stay safe in storms. For most, the law is far from the top of the list of concerns. It’s part of the story, but not the headline.
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Final thoughts
The Kennesaw gun law has been part of the city’s identity since 1982. As a unique American town, Kennesaw stands out for its distinctive approach to gun ownership. Its reputation as a ‘gun barrel city’ has drawn national attention and shaped local culture. Despite this, Kennesaw does not resemble the ‘wild west’—the community maintains order and safety, countering common misconceptions. It’s not something people here follow or fight about daily. It’s a symbol—one that sparks conversation and curiosity. Residents may agree or disagree with it, but most agree that Kennesaw is more than one law. It’s a growing town full of families, workers, and long-time neighbors who care about their community.
Looking for a different side of Kennesaw culture?
Explore the city’s creative pulse in our next feature: Local Music and Art Scenes in Kennesaw: Underground Venues and Indie Artists — where the sound is raw and the art is real.
