COLUMBUS, Ohio – A controversial measure making broad changes to the Ohio’s gun laws, including the addition of a “stand your ground” self-defense rule, is on its way to the state Senate.
The measure passed 62-27 Wednesday amid protests from anti-gun groups and others.
Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman, active in an organization of U.S. mayors campaigning for stricter gun laws, was quick to criticize the House action and call for the bill’s defeat in the Senate.
“House Bill 203 is another reckless proposal from the gun lobby that would put our police officers and residents at risk. To further lower the standards for those who would carry deadly weapons on our streets and in our neighborhoods does not make sense,” he said in a statement released by his office Thursday morning.
“Stand your ground” provisions have sparked debates on gun control across the country in the wake of the slaying of unarmed Florida teenager Trayvon Martin by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who cited Florida’s “stand your ground” doctrine in his defense.
The measure eliminates a person’s duty to retreat before using deadly force when confronted by danger.
Ohio”s “castle doctrine” allows individuals to use deadly force to protect themselves in their home or car. The new bill eliminates the duty to retreat anywhere a person is legally permitted to carry a gun, but they are legally required to prove that his or her life was in danger.
Republican Rep. Terry Johnson said the bill brings reasonable safety protections to Ohioans.
Democrats predicted it would foster violence. State Rep. Alicia Reece says opponents have jammed Gov. John Kasich’s phone lines with calls to take their side.
At least 22 states have similar self-defense laws.
Among the changes in the bill is a so-called “reciprocity” provision, requires Ohio authorities to recognize concealed handgun licenses from any state that recognizes Ohio’s permits. Currently, Ohio only recognizes CCW licenses from states with which the state has a written reciprocity agreement.
The bill also prohibits a person with a fifth-degree felony drug offense from getting a concealed carry license for at least 10 years. Anyone with multiple fifth-degree drug offenses is permanently prohibited from obtaining a license.