Idaho Moms Demand Action, Everytown, Denounce House State Affairs Committee Passage Of Dangerous ‘Stand Your Ground’ Legislation

BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today denounced the House State Affairs Committee’s passage of dangerous “Stand Your Ground” legislation.

Stand Your Ground legislation is unnecessary in Idaho – a state that already recognizes the right to use force, including deadly force, in self-defense whenever it is reasonable under the circumstances. Research finds that states with Stand Your Ground laws have a clear increase in homicides. Additionally, there is no evidence that Stand Your Ground laws deter crime.

SB 1313 would let people shoot to kill in public even if there is a clear and safe alternative. The bill omits essential safeguards in Idaho’s traditional self-defense doctrine that prevent the reckless use of force.

STATEMENT FROM ELANA STORY, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE IDAHO CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:

“Yet again, members of the Idaho legislature have voted against public opinion to pass a ‘Stand Your Ground’ bill that would threaten public safety. It is shocking that in the wake of the mass shooting in Parkland, Florida our legislators are focused on passing a bill that is associated with increases in homicides rather than focusing on policies to reduce gun violence. SB 1313 deviates from Idaho’s long history of responsible gun ownership, and I urge the legislature to reject this reckless piece of legislation.”