Opponents are at the State Capitol for a second day for House hearings this morning on a bill that would change Minnesota’s self-defense laws. Marit Brock with the group Moms Demand Action says the bill would expand existing case law in a dangerous way, “to say anywhere you have a subjective fear or a sense that you’re being threatened, you have the right to use deadly force. And we just think that’s wrong and unsafe.” Backers of the bill argue Minnesotans should be able to defend themselves without having to retreat into a corner from which there’s no escape.
Brock says gun homicide rates have gone up in states with “Stand Your Ground” laws. And she says such laws affect communities of color the most, “so black young people are more likely to be killed in states that have ‘Stand Your Ground’ law than other states. That’s not what we want for Minnesota.”
The committee also debates a controversial bill that would eliminate the requirement for concealed carry permits in Minnesota. Brock says a permitless-carry law will take away criminal background checks, age limits and safety course requirements. Backers of the measure point out criminals don’t worry about gun permits and purchase weapons on the black market.
More in this interview with Brock: