ATLANTA -- Georgia lawmakers are considering allowing guns in more public places, including churches, sporting events, and even university campuses.

Religious leaders were among those who spoke out against the possible changes Tuesday, saying churches, temples and mosques should remain gun-free sanctuaries.

The chairman of a state Senate study committee looking at Georgia's firearms laws cautioned that any proposed legislation was in its infancy.

"We're working toward a draft," said state Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, a Republican from Sharpsburg.

But "template" legislation circulated Tuesday would make it possible for the estimated 300,000 Georgians with gun permits to carry their weapons to more public gatherings.

Gun rights supporters have complained for years that Georgia's public gathering restrictions are far too strict. They ban weapons at bars, sporting events, political rallies, churches and public buildings.

Those laws began to ease earlier this year as Georgia legislators passed a bill allowing those with permits to carry firearms in state parks, mass transit and in restaurants that serve alcohol. Gov. Sonny Perdue signed the law, which took effect July 1.

It is currently illegal to carry a gun into a house of worship. A trio of religious leaders told the lawmakers they want it to remain that way.

"Churches, synagogues and communities of faith should be protected places," Pastor Bradley Schmeling, of St. John's Lutheran Church in Atlanta, said.

He and others pointed to deadly shootings at churches in recent years.

But Seabaugh echoed an argument that has been made regularly among some gun rights advocates: The death toll at some of those churches might have been lower if parishioners were armed and able to fight back.

Seabaugh said he could support an opt-out provision allowing churches that don't want guns to keep them out.

College campuses have also been struck by violence. And officials with the Georgia Board of Regents said Tuesday they want the law banning guns on university campuses to remain intact.

But Matthew Podowitz of Atlanta said the law needs updating to remove ambiguities that leave him guessing whether he is complying or not.

"It puts me at risk of being prosecuted even when I try to comply," Podowitz said.

Georgia lawmakers could consider changes to the state's gun laws when they return to the Capitol in January.