WA State residents rise up against anti-self defense bill

Mikael Thalen, Contributor
Activist Post

Rep. Sherry Appleton from the 23rd district in Washington State pre-filed House Bill 1012 on Dec. 5th of last year to do away with the state’s Stand Your Ground law.

The Stand Your Ground law state’s that a person may justifiably use force in self-defense when there is reasonable belief of an unlawful threat, without an obligation to retreat first. This law is most notably seen when one is defending their home or property.

Opponents of Stand Your Ground believe it gives too much leeway and will lead to unnecessary violence. Supporters state that defending one’s self is a birth right and laws prohibiting so only cause more damage to law abiding citizens. They also point to studies showing that guns are used in defense of crime three-to-four times more often than they’re used in the commission of a crime.

When word of the bill got out, hundreds of Washington residents flooded Appleton’s office with emails and phone calls, demanding the bill be removed. Appleton’s office, overwhelmed with the response, decided to back off from the bill, at least for now.

Reports indicate that Appleton’s lawyers will reword the bill and then re-submit it next session, which has citizens and local Representatives keeping close watch.

“I think it’s too early to say the bill has been defeated. The 2013 session has not yet began and a lot can happen between now and the end of April. I do think the public outcry against the proposed legislation demonstrates that citizens are watching Olympia closely and are willing to take a stand,” said Rep. David Taylor of the 15th district.

Rep. Matt Shea of the 4th district noted, “This is a perfect example of grassroots activism at its finest. The right to bear arms in defense of oneself is enshrined in Article 1, Section 24 of our State Constitution. We must be ever vigilant to protect our natural born rights as Americans.”

Representatives Jason Overstreet and Carry Condotta from the 42nd and 12th district were also noted as bringing light to the issue as well as many of Washington’s Open Carry activists.

If you would like to reach Rep. Sherry Appleton with your comments or concerns regarding the bill:

LEG 132F
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7934
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://housedemocrats.wa.gov/roster/rep-sherry-appleton/

This article first appeared at The Examiner HERE