On Monday afternoon, volunteers with the Ohio chapter of Moms Demand Action delivered to the office of House Speaker Ryan Smith over 2,000 signatures urging lawmakers to reject “Stand Your Ground” legislation.
A vote had been scheduled for Wednesday on the bill, and last week, Speaker Smith said the bill had enough support not only to pass, but to withstand a veto. But late Monday afternoon, the Columbus Dispatch reported there would likely not be a vote this week.
The news came hours after Moms Demand Action volunteers delivered to Smith’s staff more than 2,000 signatures urging lawmakers to reject House Bill 228, a “Stand Your Ground” bill which would upend traditional self-defense principles in Ohio.
“Ohio needs legislation on guns but we need legislation that keeps us safer while protecting our Second Amendment rights,” volunteer Emily Knowles told Fox28.
HB 228 would allow a person to shoot to kill in public, even when there is a clear and safe alternative. States with Stand Your Ground laws see increases in homicide rates, and these laws also have been shown to have a disproportionate effect on communities of color. Ohio Gov. John Kasich has indicated he would not sign the legislation if it were to pass.
Over the weekend, The Columbus Dispatch editorialized on the legislation, saying lawmakers were “about to pass the wrong gun law.” Instead, lawmakers could put their efforts behind pending legislation with bipartisan support that includes Red Flag legislation and legislation to help keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers.
Don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions on HB 228 or any other Ohio gun bills.
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