Utah Moms Demand Action, Everytown Criticize Senate Passage of Dangerous Stand Your Ground Legislation; Urge Governor Herbert to Veto

SALT LAKE CITY – The Utah chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, part of Everytown for Gun Safety, today denounced the Senate for passing Stand Your Ground legislation, HB 114. The legislation now heads to Governor Gary Herbert’s desk to be signed or vetoed.

“I’m so disappointed that the legislature would vote to pass legislation that jeopardizes our safety.” said Kait Hinckley-Wood, a volunteer with the Utah chapter of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America. “This reckless legislation only stands to make our state less safe by making it easy for someone to shoot to kill even when they can safely walk away from danger. For the safety of our families, we implore Gov. Herbert to veto this dangerous bill.”

Stand Your Ground legislation is unnecessary in Utah – 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 Stand Your Ground laws are associated with an increase in firearm homicides and injuries. The devastating impact of Stand Your Ground laws is experienced across different demographics and neighborhoods. Additionally, there is no evidence that Stand Your Ground laws deter crime.

HB 114 would let people shoot to kill in public even if there is a clear and safe alternative. The bill prohibits a judge or jury from even considering whether a person was unreasonable in refusing to avoid an armed conflict.