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Paulette Jordan on Gun Control |
Jordan: It's important for the governor to say we will not carry over the national conversation. We see they want to mandate teachers having guns in classrooms, and this is where we have a stake to say this is not the culture we want in Idaho. We're listening to every community. The teachers' job is to teach, and why would we expect them to be front line defenders? Front line defenders are school resource officers.
The issue: "Stand your ground" is a self-defense law that allows someone to use deadly force, instead of retreating, if they feel their safety is threatened at work, in their vehicle or other public settings.
Jordan: "While I recently voted to allow our bipartisan House to further debate a 'stand your ground' bill due to appeals by my constituents, I do not support this legislation. The bill seeks to undo Idaho's current gun laws, and as a gun owner myself, I am concerned by any attempt to loosen laws that enable us to protect ourselves. The fact is that similar 'stand your ground' policies in other states have led to increased homicide rates, especially amongst children and people of color. Enacting this reckless legislation would make Idaho less fair and less safe."
Lt. Gov. Brad Little: "I would be supportive of a bill that provides a reasonable standard in removing the duty to flee in Idaho's self-defense laws."