BOISE, Idaho – The Idaho chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today denounced the enactment of SB 1313, a dangerous “Stand Your Ground” bill that Governor Butch Otter allowed to pass into law by failing to veto it.
SB 1313 endangers Idaho’s traditional self-defense doctrine, imperiling the longstanding principle that a person’s decision to use deadly force must be reasonable under the circumstances. This Stand Your Ground law puts Idahoans at risk by failing to include safeguards in Idaho’s current self-defense doctrine that prevent the reckless or vindictive use of force. Research finds that in 21 states Stand Your Ground laws are associated with a clear increase in homicides. Additionally, there is no evidence that Stand Your Ground laws deter crime.
STATEMENT FROM ELANA STORY, A VOLUNTEER WITH THE IDAHO CHAPTER OF MOMS DEMAND ACTION FOR GUN SENSE IN AMERICA:
“I am deeply disappointed in Governor Otter’s decision not to veto this dangerous ‘Stand Your Groun d’ bill. This bill leaves out crucial parts of our current longstanding self-defense standard that give Idahoans the ability to protect themselves while recognizing that it is always better to avoid taking a life if possible. It is disheartening to see our lawmakers act against the interest of the people of Idaho by passing a bill that threatens our safety. This law only stands to make our state less safe and puts innocent lives at risk.”
