Legislators in Arkansas passed a “Stand Your Ground” law in recent weeks by an overwhelming margin, and Governor Asa Hutchinson has now signed the measure into law. “Stand Your Ground” policy removes a duty to retreat before a would-be victim can use deadly force to defend against the imminent threat of death or great bodily injury.
Not everyone is pleased with the new law. Moms Demand Action and others lobbied heavily against the popular bill. A handful of people even showed up in the late January cold to voice their opposition to the media. KTBS.com covered it.
Dozens rally against “Stand Your Ground” bill in Arkansas
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KATV) — Dozens of state and religious leaders, as well as activists from across Arkansas, rallied at the Capitol Sunday to express concerns against the proposed “stand your ground” legislation…
KTBS was kind enough to list the rally’s sponsors.
The press conference was co-sponsored by:
Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus
Arkansas Public Policy Panel
Arkansas United
Citizens First Congress
Indivisible
Moms Demand Action
NAACP State and Local Branches
Urban League
W. Harold Flowers Law Society
Their voices didn’t sway legislators or the governor, though. After the new law passed the Arkansas legislature, Gov. Hutchinson wasted no time in signing off on it.
Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has signed into law a measure that eases the state’s restrictions on the use of deadly force in self-defense.
The Republican governor signed the measure Wednesday that removes the duty to retreat before deadly force can be used, despite past concerns he’s raised about changing the state’s self-defense law.
A similar measure stalled in the Legislature two years ago, but the bill this year moved more easily after groups such as the state’s sheriffs’ and prosecutors’ associations that previously opposed it said they’re neutral to the latest version.
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Bob Ballinger (R-Ozark) and Rep. Aaron Pilkington (R-Knoxville) received overwhelming support in the legislature by a 72-23 margin in the House and 27-7 in the Senate.
Supporters of the bill say it will help people protect themselves in a dangerous situation, while opponents said it would create a dangerous precedent.
35 states now have “Stand Your Ground” protections. While some others states have similar provisions, there are still too many states that retain their antiquated “duty to retreat” laws.
![By Larry Keane President Joe Biden traveled to New York City for a media event to try and show America he’s doing something about rampant crime. Instead, he blamed the Second Amendment and lawful gun owners, said nothing about holding criminals to account and repeated the same tired lies about the firearm industry he keeps at the ready – lies “fact-checked” as being false each time he’s previously recited them. It makes no difference to the president. He’s not even trying anymore. To President Biden and national gun control groups the problem is always the gun and the law-abiding members of the industry. It’s never the criminal. Blaming the ‘Resistance’ President Biden was joined by U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland, Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Democratic New York City Mayor Eric Adams for a “Gun Violence Strategies Partnership” meeting to talk about how to solve the crime surge, particularly those involving firearms. Instead of real solutions, the focus devolved into blaming law-abiding gun owners and again pushing a gun control agenda. “Enough is enough,” President Biden said. “Because we know we can do things about this, but for the resistance, we’re getting from some sectors of the government and the Congress and the state legislatures, and the organizational structures out there.” That “resistance” the president spoke of is the American people. Over the past two years they’ve become fed up with police defunding policies and soft-on-crime prosecutors, like Manhattan’s Democratic District Attorney Alvin Bragg. They’ve invested in their own safety. The “resistance” is the 21 million lawful gun buyers in 2020, including more than 8.4 million first-time buyers, and the 18.5 million gun buyers in 2021, with more than 5.4 million first-timers. The ”resistance” has backstopped Congress from passing federal gun control that don’t address crime. It also stopped President Biden’s nominations of paid gun control lobbyist David Chipman to lead the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and banking activist Saule Omarova as Comptroller of the Currency because not even all U.S. Senate Democrats could support them. They would have turned those agencies into bludgeons to hammer the firearm industry to achieve a special interest, gun control agenda. Favorite Falsehoods The president turned his aim from lawful gun owners towards the firearm industry and repeated a lie he’s rehearsed several times before. “Imagine had we had a liabil… [sic] they’re the only industry in America that is exempted from being able to be sued by the public. Only one,” the president protested. “Why the gun manufacturers?… It’s got to end. They’ve got to be held responsible for the things they do that are irresponsible.” He repeated the claim for emphasis. “And I find that outrageous.” This is flatly false. The president knows by now, or his speechwriters do and they don’t bother with the facts. CNN, Politicfact and Washington Post have all checked President Biden on his remark, including after he said it in the White House Rose Garden. CNN cleanly rebuked it. “This is false. Gun manufacturers are not entirely exempt from being sued, nor are they only industry with some liability protections.” Politifact rated it “false.” Washington Post wasn’t kinder, saying, “Biden is wrong to claim the gun industry is totally immune.” The firearm industry has liability protections under the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act (PLCAA), bipartisan legislation enacted under former President George W. Bush. The firearm industry cannot be held liable when unaffiliated third-parties, in this case criminals, misuse a legal, lawfully sold product. It’s fundamental tort law and is similar to an individual attempting to hold Ford and Budweiser responsible for drunk driving deaths. The law was passed in direct response to lawsuits filed against the industry by control groups and municipalities like the city of New York and the state of New York. These type of lawsuit continue to be filed, now even by foreign governments represented by the same gun control group, the Brady Center. Colonial-Era Error President Biden continued to ignore facts on the Second Amendment and its history. He even erred when speaking about the Revolution-era days and why the right to keep and bear arms was so sacrosanct. “When the amendment was passed, it didn’t say anybody could own a gun and any kind of gun and any kind of weapon,” President Biden remarked. “You couldn’t buy a cannon, and when – the – when this, uh, this amendment was passed.” It did, and does, say the right of the People “shall not be infringed.” Even The Washington Post was brutal in their assignment of “Four Pinocchio’s” to this statement. “Biden has already been fact-checked on this claim — and it’s been deemed false. We have no idea where he conjured up this notion about a ban on cannon ownership in the early days of the Republic, but he needs to stop making this claim.” In fact, the Constitution of early America – before the Bill of Rights, and Second Amendment, was even ratified – granted and encouraged “special waivers” to American merchants and sailors, “allowing private individuals to act as pirates on behalf of the United States against countries engaged in war with it.” Americans given waivers and who owned warships obviously also obtained cannons for use in battle. In fact, it is still perfectly legal to buy a cannon today. It is the presidents’ fundamental misunderstanding and blatant lying about the Second Amendment that informs his gun control agenda and misguided approach to solving the crime problem. Millions of law-abiding Americans took ownership of their Second Amendment rights to protect themselves, understanding the president won’t. Instead of mangling the meaning of the right and pushing for more gun control on law-abiding Americans, the president should keep it simple. Take on the criminals and punish them for breaking the law.](https://cdn0.thetruthaboutguns.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/download-26-218x150.jpeg "Harris is a Human Disinformation Campaign When It Comes to Guns")
Arkansas Democratic Black Caucus wants to keep their victims, same with the NAACP.
Evil bastards.
The left always assumes that somebody else will show up to protect their butts. Not happening. Normal people take steps to protect themselves and the ones they love. We only kill strangers.
GunnyGene…as you know “When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.” That’s why police departments have a Chalk Budget…….to draw outlines.
I bet my demented troll just hates that new law…
*Applause*… 😉
Nope. Once again you miss the mark. It must suck to be wrong all the time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5iqYuFmzqg
You are one weird motherfucker.
HEH HEH HEH!!! :0)
How’s that for ACTION , moms???
There we go. No offense to Moms, but their energy ought to be in arrest, prosecution and incarceration of criminals according to the laws that are already in the books. Not against law-abiding citizens who need to defend themselves, and their families against violent criminals.
Sounds like Moms Are Fudds might be contemplating getting into the home invasion/smash ‘n’ grab/car jackin’ business and just wanna be safe at work. Yep, Blacks jus’ keep votin’ to be VICTIMS.
Arkansas.
Stand your ground ” Laws”
Ha ha
Been pretty much that way since the state was formed.
Word:
Dont wear an Arkansas Razorbacks Tshirt in Tulsa Ok., I got beat up and you probably will too.
Smart people stay away from Tulsa. Less smart people get beat up. If there was anything in Tulsa worth seeing, it was destroyed with the Tulsa Riot in 1921.
Thank god the white Christian republicans, who have sex in the missionary position, with the lights turned off, where successful in helping honest law abiding black people. Who will be the vast majority in using this new civil rights law.
If you don’t believe me then go check out the self defense gun research of Dr. John Lott.
I don’t recall Dr. Lott ever advocating the missionary position.
As I recall, it has always been Libertarians, Liberals and the Left, who have been saying that Christian Republicans have sex in the missionary position. I’m not sure how the Three L’s know this???
Perhaps they are the ones that have been spying on people. All this time???
As far as Dr. John Lott goes, I believe he was raised in a Democrat Party family.
Which perhaps is why they, the democrats, are so mad at him.
“What liberal media won’t tell you — blacks benefit most from Stand Your Ground laws”
https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/what-liberal-media-wont-tell-you-blacks-benefit-most-from-stand-your-ground-laws
NM
Missionary position,? Is that like when she roles on her back to fight you off? That’s why strong jaws and a firm hold on her neck helps.
‘Possum, that made me snort my ginger brew. Almost came out my nose.
My property welcomes all possums…
There will be a bowl of Guinness left outside the back door on these cold Florida nights to help provide needed calories.
Always found that stat both encouraging and depressing but glad they are able to make use of it and hope it becomes less necessary with time (and attrition).
You’re welcome…
GunnyGene…as you know “When seconds count, the police are only minutes away.” That’s why police departments have a Chalk Budget…….to draw outlines.
If you’re lucky they’re only minutes away. More often now, it’s hours or days or never.
I don’t know what your 911 response time is but downunder our 000 emergency can take more than minute to get to the PVR and minutes more to get an operator. Criminals don’t tend to wait.
I’m really not a fan of Stand Your Ground, but it does seem to be the most rational response to Duty to Retreat. I think it would be better to amend existing laws, scrubbing out any concept of Duty to Retreat. SYG seems to encourge foolish people to do foolish things.
Nobody says you can’t beat feet. SYG just gives you the option without the legal hassle. But it’s also only one small slice of the entire Self Defense pie. You need to eat the whole pie; with ice cream.
“SYG just gives you the option without the legal hassle.”
Not necessarily so: if anyone believes they can shoot or maim/kill by any other method another human being without a very thorough investigation by the gendarmes, that person is delusional. Even if the LE and pertinent prosecutor are satisfied the action was proper, said potential victim will likely still be plagued with civil action or worse yet, the lightning rod for rioting, burning and looting should the deceased/duly-injured be of the improper racial order.
Stand Your Ground is a valid option but certainly other steps need to be taken to protect all potential victims from being worked over after being forced to defend themselves.
In Iowa if the Shoot is deemed lawful/justified by the “pertinent prosecutor”. State Law precludes and disallows any civil action in regards to the incident.
P.S. Constitutional Carry moves to a full floor vote next week in the legislature. With similar Legislation in the Senate. Passage is expected and the Governor has voiced her support of the Bill.
It’s not “Stand Your Ground” law. It’s “You No Longer Have to Run Like a Coward” law.
Right, JB. “Stand Your Ground” is a negative moniker used by opponents. It IS an elimination of the absolute duty to retreat regardless of safe retreat options.
Standing your ground is the most basic of human rights, and when you consider this you see it applies to the animal kingdom as well.
Only beta animals and prey flee danger. Same applies to people.
I disagree with that statement.
Removing the legal duty to retreat by passing a stand your ground law is an excellent idea.
Getting involved in a deadly force fight is the choice of last resort.
A reasonable person would deescalate, and walk or run away, when it is perfectly safe to do so.
Saying “I’m sorry, I don’t want any trouble” to the drunk road rage guy and walking or driving away is far superior to getting out of your car and starting a deadly force fight over accidentally cutting someone off in traffic.
Don’t forget that in any fight, you have a greater than 0% chance of being killed.
There are Legal and moral ramifications of having to kill someone over something as stupid as an argument over shoveling snow, Disposing of garbage, improper lane change, or accidental bumping someone. All of which I’ve seen on active self protection on YouTube.
Remember the handicapped parking space killer?
And the retired LEO who killed someone in the movie theater after they threw popcorn at him?
I bet you they wished they had left the scene, because now they’re serving decades in prison.
Yes, if someone jumps out of hiding in a parking garage with a knife and threatens you, of course pull your gun and start shooting.
That is the Noble and brave course of action.
Don’t get into an ego battle over something inconsequential that leads to someone getting killed.
Just walk, run, or drive away if it’s perfectly safe to do so.
Because you might get killed, or spend decades in jail.
What this means is that fifteen states still require the defender to retreat if it can be done safely. And who determines if retreat can be done safely? Hint — it won’t be the defender who was actually there.
No, it will be twelve people who weren’t smart enough to get out of jury duty, a supercilious b@st@rd or b!tch in a black robe, and a prosecutor bought and paid for by George Soros.
Good for AR
I just spoke with my State Representative. Iowa Constitutional Carry will get a floor vote next week. He expects Iowa to become the next state with Constitutional Carry.
Those are not “moms” they are busy body azzhats that cannot help themselves but to always stick their noses in everyones’ business. Like those busy bodies are going to be around when you have to stand your ground.
If left up to the busy bodies you would have to phone them to get a permission slip for everything you do. Good news is the busy bodies got it handed to them in AR. That could mean Arkansas or Armalite Rifle.
As someone who works in downtown little rock on overnights, this makes me very happy.
Staying north of I-630 reduces your chances of getting robbed or murdered
Geez, Joe. Your grabby hands know no bounds.
The Mommies Demanding Attention would rather you die than defend yourself.
It’s about time Arkansas, well done. The day that criminals stand outside and wait for the cops to arrive before attempting their crime is the day I’ll….nah, stand your ground is always the best plan.
The more bad guys put down by good guys the better. Be it a belly full of buckshot or the shuffle of their mortal coil, it’s a win for polite society.
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