US State Of Ohio 'Stand Your Ground' Gun Bill Threatens Public Safety - Advocacy Group

WASHINGTON (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 15th November, 2018) A gun bill approved by the US state of Ohio's House of Representatives poses a threat to public safety because the measure allows a person to respond to any perceived threat, even in public, with deadly force, the human rights group Amnesty International warned in a press release.

"By passing the bill, the House has sanctioned an irresponsible proposition that would seriously endanger public safety by encouraging a shoot-first, ask questions later mentality," the release said on Wednesday. "Under the bill, a person would be allowed to shoot to kill in practically any circumstance if they feel scared.

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The release said the bill allows a "shoot to kill in response" to any perceived threat, in any place where the person has a lawful right to be, be it a movie theater, parking lot or a mall.

The release also warned that the measure could have a devastating and disproportionate impact on African American communities because racial bias can factor into split-second decisions to respond to a threat.

Earlier on Wednesday, the Ohio House of Representatives approved the legislation on a 64-26 vote.

More than 20 US states have similar laws, according to published reports.