Facing widespread opposition from his party, Senate Majority Leader Tommy Norment (R-James City) pulled his surprise bill banning the public from bringing guns from government buildings on the first day of the General Assembly’s special session on gun laws.

After shelving the legislation, Norment said the bill “as currently drafted…represents neither my views nor my intention.”

Norment introduced the bill last night, prompting state Sen. Bill Stanley (R-Franklin County) to resign his position as Senate majority whip. Stanley said the bill was a “betrayal” in an appearance on the John Fredericks Radio Show Tuesday. He also said it would make his grandmother a felon if she accidentally carried a gun in her purse and walked into a municipal building. 

“I think we’ve tried to fool our caucus. And I’m not standing for it. I didn’t come down here for this,” Stanley said.

Republicans rejected Stanley’s resignation and voted him back in as majority whip. His protest had the desired effect, and Norment pulled the bill Tuesday afternoon.