Title
To express opposition to any action taken by the Ohio State Legislature to enact a “Stand Your Ground” provision within the Ohio Revised Code
Body
WHEREAS, The enactment of any provision within the Ohio Revised Code that eliminates the duty to retreat in all situations in public before using deadly force as a form of self-defense, commonly referred to as “Stand Your Ground,” undermines public safety in the City of Columbus; and
WHEREAS, Under current Ohio law, a person can use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves anywhere if they are threatened with imminent death or great bodily harm. But when in public, a person cannot use force likely to kill or seriously injure someone if there is an alternative to avoid the confrontation, and
WHEREAS, According to Gifford’s Law Center, “Stand Your Ground” laws have been shown to increase the use of deadly force in everyday conflicts. In Florida, which has one of the most high profile “Stand Your Ground” laws, 79 percent of assailants had the opportunity to retreat before using deadly force during a confrontation, and
WHEREAS, Studies have shown a nexus between the enactment of “Stand Your Ground” legislation and a 32 percent increase in firearm homicide rates. As Columbus continues to experience a record number of homicides involving a firearm, the enactment of a “Stand Your Ground” law has the potential to result in grave consequences for our residents, and
WHEREAS, “Stand Your Ground” laws have a disproportionate effect on communities of color. When white shooters kill Black victims, the resulting homicides are deemed justifiable 11 times more frequently than when the shooter is Black and the victim is white; and
WHEREAS, “Stand Your Ground” laws justify the actions of dangerous armed vigilantes, such as George Zimmerman in the 2012 shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, and Kyle Rittenhouse who shot and killed two individuals during unrest in Kenosha, Wisconsin in 2020; NOW, THEREFORE
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