CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today released the following statement urging the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee to reject HB 168, dangerous “Stand Your Ground” legislation.
HB 168 would let people shoot to kill in public even if there is a clear and safe alternative, hinder homicide investigations and make it difficult for shooting victims to obtain compensation for their injuries. HB 168 is so extreme that it would simply take accused killers at their word that using force was necessary, preventing a proper and thorough investigation.
“Stand Your Ground” legislation is unnecessary in Wyoming – 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 which pass “Stand Your Ground” laws are associated with a clear increase in homicides and shows no evidence that “Stand Your Ground” laws deter crime.
STATEMENT FROM BETH HOWARD, VOLUNTEER WITH THE WYOMING CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“Right now in Wyoming, in the wake of the Parkland shooting, the Wyoming legislature is considering dangerous and completely unreasonable ‘Stand Your Ground’ bills. These proposals would distort all traditional self-defense principles by explicitly allowing people to shoot to kill someone in public even when there is a clear and safe alternative. Tonight, the Senate Agriculture, State and Public Lands and Water Resources Committee is considering HB 168, a bill with language so extreme that it would force law enforcement to take accused killers at their word, preventing a proper investigation. HB 168 is solving a problem Wyoming does not have, and we urge the committee to reject it.”
