A conservative Republican lawmaker wants Ohio to become the 37th state to enact a so-called "stand your ground" bill.
A similar bill was introduced last year, after a veto fight with former Governor John Kasich resulted in a stripped down version that eventually passed. Ohio Public Radio's Karen Kasler reports.
Representative Candice Keller of Middletown says the bill would allow a person to use deadly force without retreating if they’re protecting themselves or others against real or perceived threats, even in public, and would protect them from having to defend themselves in court. And Keller says with Governor Mike DeWine proposing legislation to curb gun violence, including a version of a red flag gun seizure law, now is the time for this bill.
“Every single gun bill that we have needs to be looked at carefully and closely. My bill, ‘Stand Your Ground’ bill doesn’t focus on criminals. It focuses on law-abiding citizens. The ‘red flag’ bill is, of course, a whole other basket of eggs.”
Critics say stand your ground laws in some states has resulted in increased gun deaths, especially involving African Americans, and that there’s no evidence that these laws deter crime.
