ATLANTA (AP) - A lawsuit brought by a gun rights group targeting a Georgia law that bans firearms in places of worship was roundly criticized by a federal appeals panel that heard oral arguments about the law.

The three 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals judges who heard the arguments Thursday raised technical and legal concerns about the lawsuit brought by GeorgiaCarry.org.

The lawsuit maintained that the 2010 law violates the First Amendment's religious freedom protections, and said religious institutions should be allowed to decide whether to allow guns inside. State lawyers counter that the ban only allows worshippers to pray without fearing for their safety.

Attorneys say in court filings only Arkansas, Mississippi and North Dakota passed similar laws that restrict firearms in places of worship.