George:

In order to enact a local law banning guns from public places, Virginia localities must get permission from the legislature.

In 1997, Fairfax County sought such authority, and the bill was passed by the General Assembly but vetoed by Governor Allen. In the same year, Allen also vetoed legislation which would allow Fairfax County to ban guns from police stations (except of course when carried by police officers). Allen said these local laws would "criminalize conduct that is perfectly lawful in the rest of the Commonwealth."

I guess he thought it was too much of an inconvenience to require citizens to leave their guns outside of recreation centers where children play.

Ridge Schuyler (electronic mail, June 7, 2001).