SPRINGFIELD (AP) – The firestorm over concealed weapons moved to the Illinois House floor Tuesday, sparking Republican complaints that an extraordinary legislative process set up by majority Democrats would restrict the right to carry guns in public rather than allow it, as a federal court has ordered.

The House began debate on 27 separate amendments dealing with concealed carry in a process initiated by House Speaker Michael Madigan requiring debates on each separate topic.

But minority Republicans interrupted the schedule twice with lengthy private caucus meetings and stormy public protests about a procedure they claimed was controlled by anti-gun Chicago liberals. They complained the debate makes no sense when the state continues to face a $96 billion pension system deficit and $9 billion in unpaid bills.