Title
To urge the Ohio General Assembly to oppose House Bill 203, which would enact a "Stand Your Ground" law in Ohio.
Body
WHEREAS, the Ohio House of Representatives is considering House Bill 203, which would enact a "Stand Your Ground" law in Ohio; and
WHEREAS, such laws expand the legal use of deadly force for self-defense from the home to public places and permit the use of force in more circumstances, even when retreat can be accomplished safely; and
WHEREAS, the Ohio Fraternal Order of Police, Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association, and other police and safety professionals have expressed concerns about or opposition to Stand Your Ground legislation; and
WHEREAS, Columbus City Council respects the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution and the right of law-abiding citizens to own and carry firearms for personal protection; and
WHEREAS, civic and community leaders have been working at the local level to prevent gun violence in neighborhoods throughout our city by enforcing existing gun laws and enacting new public safety initiatives like the neighborhood safety camera program and the Applications for Purpose, Pride, and Success program; and
WHEREAS, Stand Your Ground laws have not been shown to improve neighborhood safety or reduce gun violence, and HB 203 will not make our community safer for residents; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby urge the Ohio General Assembly to oppose House Bill 203, which would enact a "Stand Your Ground" law in Ohio.