Governor Mike DeWine signed a bill into action that expands on Ohio citizens “stand your ground” rights. After originally looking like he would veto the bill, DeWine surprised some people by signing this into law. After a mass shooting in Dayton, Ohio back in 2019 DeWine pledged to work on bipartisan gun reform but with this move it seems he has just bowed down to his party.
Concerning the bill, what this means is now people have a “stand your ground” right anywhere they are lawfully allowed to be, as opposed to previously where it was only a right in ones own vehicle or house.
As an Ohio citizen, I am incredibly disappointed in DeWine’s decision here and it is a step back on safe gun reform and makes Ohio more dangerous. A lot more people will feel empowered now to fire their guns with even the slightest threat presented. Normal conflicts and fights could turn fatal now if people know they could get off on self defense.
This bill really hits harder after the Kyle Rittenhouse situation, as this move could spurn more situations just like that one.
It feels to be with Covid-19 and other issues taking the spotlight right now (rightfully so) gun reform is taking a backseat, but we can’t backdown on it. High powered weapons are still way too easy to access for the average citizen in America today and with growing tensions in the country these are very dangerous times. I also believe the left needs to do better in how they present gun reform (looking at you Beto), in my opinion the left should make it clear we still strongly support the 2nd amendment but make it clear just because they have a right to bear arms doesn’t mean they have a right to own military grade weapons or that it should be an easy process to get these weapons. We have the right to free speech but that doesn’t mean we have a right to run into a crown and falsely scream fire, I think the same logic can be applied to the 2nd amendment.
Everyone stay safe out there.
Green Buddhist 