The city of Dayton introduced a resolution Wednesday that opposes “stand your ground” legislation being considered at the Ohio house.
Right now, Ohio law says you have the right to defend yourself if you’re in your home. But if you’re outside, you have to retreat. If House Bill 203 is passed, it would allow you to fight back anywhere.
Dayton is the first city in the state to come out against the proposed legislation. Commissioner Nan Whaley says it won’t help the city’s initiative to reduce gun violence, and that citizens have raised concerns about the bill.
“A lot of the state legislation has a really direct effect on our community both as a city organization and then our community at large. We feel like we have a responsibility to communicate with the state legislature on our positions that would affect our community and the people living in the city of Dayton,” says Whaley.
Advocates for the bill say it will make Ohioans safer by giving them the right to defend themselves. The city’s resolution will be sent to state lawmakers.