UPDATED: Tuesday, June 19, 2012 --- 10:25 a.m.

APPLETON, Wis. (AP) -- Winnebago County judges say they are prohibiting guns in the courthouse to ensure everyone has a safe and secure environment in which to settle a dispute.

The comments are in response to the District Attorney Christian Gossett filing a petition with the state Supreme Court Monday, asking it to block the judges' ban.

Gossett, who is a concealed weapon permit holder, wants to carry his gun in the courthouse. He contends the order contradicts the law passed last year, which allows district attorneys and their assistant prosecutors to carry guns in courthouses if they have permits.

In a statement Tuesday, the judges say the order approved unanimously among the circuit court judges in January applies equally to everyone who enters a courtroom during a proceeding, except law enforcement personnel.

AP-WF-06-19-12 1512GMT

Copyright 2012: Associated Press

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POSTED: Monday, June 18, 2012 --- 7:55 a.m.

APPLETON, Wis. (AP) -- The Winnebago County District Attorney is fighting to be able to carry his gun in the county courthouse.

County judges have said Christian Gossett can't take a gun to work without written permission of whatever judge or court commissioner is presiding where Gossett might appear.

But Gossett contends the order contradicts the concealed carry law passed last year. It allows district attorneys and their assistant prosecutors to carry guns in courthouses if they have concealed weapon permits.

Gossett and his chief deputy Scott Ceman, who are permit holders, filed a petition Monday with the state Supreme Court.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports they want the court to declare the circuit judges have exceeded their authority and to block them from enforcing their ban.

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Information from: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, http://www.jsonline.com

AP-WF-06-18-12 1651GMT

Copyright 2012: Associated Press