HB 168 Endangers Traditional Self-Defense Principles and Puts Wyomingites at Risk
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today denounced the enactment of HB 168, a dangerous “Stand Your Ground” bill that Governor Matt Mead allowed to pass into law by failing to veto it.
This Stand Your Ground law recklessly endangers Wyoming’s traditional self-defense doctrine, casting doubt on the longstanding and essential principle that a person should consider reasonable alternatives before using deadly force. In addition, this new law may hinder homicide investigations and make it difficult for shooting victims to obtain compensation for their injuries.
HB 168 puts Wyomingites at risk. Research has shown that Stand Your Ground laws are associated with a clear increase in homicides. Additionally, research shows no evidence that Stand Your Ground laws deter crime.
STATEMENT FROM BETH HOWARD, VOLUNTEER WITH THE WYOMING CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“As a Wyomingite, I am disappointed by Governor Mead’s decision to allow this dangerous ‘Stand Your Ground’ bill to become law. By failing to veto this unnecessary bill, the Governor put the safety of Wyomingites in jeopardy. In the wake of the tragic Parkland shooting, as the nation is re-evaluating ways to reduce gun violence, enacting this legislation is particularly out-of-touch. This law only stands to make our state less safe as similar laws in other states have encouraged armed vigilantism and are associated with increases in homicide.”