North Dakota Moms Demand Action, Everytown Respond After North Dakota House Rejects Dangerous ‘Stand Your Ground’ Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. — The North Dakota chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement after the North Dakota House of Representatives voted down dangerous legislation that would have made North Dakota a so-called “Stand Your Ground” state.

“The House saw this reckless policy for what it was,” said Cheryl Biller, volunteer chapter leader with the North Dakota chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “These laws do not deter crime, and research shows they are associated with an increase in firearm injuries and homicides. Lawmakers have stood up for public safety.”

Upending centuries of traditional self-defense doctrine, “Stand Your Ground” laws allow a person to kill another person in a public area even when they can clearly and safely walk away from the danger. These laws are associated with increases in homicides and injuries across different demographics and neighborhoods, while disproportionately impacting communities of color. They encourage the escalation of violence in avoidable situations and do not deter crime.

More information about these laws is available here.