Press release

#StandWithOhio Coalition Calls on Gov. DeWine to Veto “Stand Your Ground” Legislation

• DECEMBER 18, 2020

Columbus, Ohio, December 18, 2020 – A coalition of Ohio-based and national advocacy organizations calls on Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to veto any dangerous ‘Stand Your Ground’ legislation that is sent to his desk. Rather than prioritizing Covid-19 relief for families even as an outbreak surged through the statehouse, Republican state legislators have used the lame duck session to push through legislation that would eliminate the “duty to retreat” before shooting in self-defense, making Ohio communities less safe. Last night, just before midnight, the Ohio House passed “stand your ground” or “no duty to retreat” language as an amendment to an unrelated bill, SB175, which simply would grant civil immunity to nonprofit corporations for certain injuries, deaths, or losses resulting from the carrying of handguns. The Senate has just passed the bill today.

“Stand Your Ground” laws twist the legal standard for self-defense by permitting the use of lethal force—even in situations where violence can be avoided. In practice, these laws make it easier to get away with murder and compound the racism that runs rampant in our criminal justice system.

Rather than reducing crime, “Stand Your Ground” laws have been proven to increase homicide rates and they disproportionately lead to violence against communities of color. The governor has a responsibility to the people of Ohio to veto this dangerous and discriminatory policy.

 The Coalition shared:

“The Stand Your Ground legislation poses a serious threat to the safety of Ohio communities and will make it easier to get away with murder. This dangerous legislation must not become law, especially given the surge in gun violence this year. It will do nothing to reduce crime but will increase violence and encourage acts of armed vigilantism. We stand with the voters, mayors, and police chiefs across Ohio that have publicly opposed this law and call on Governor DeWine to protect Ohioans by vetoing any version of stand your ground language that hits his desk.”

FAST FACTS ABOUT STAND YOUR GROUND LAWS: