WASHINGTON, DC- Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) will testify at a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing entitled "'Stand Your Ground' Laws: Civil Rights and Public Safety Implications of the Expanded Use of Deadly Force" on Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.

She is scheduled to be the first witness before the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Human Rights.

Since 2005, when the first Stand Your Ground law was enacted in Florida, 22 other states have followed suit.  Legislation is pending in Ohio and tomorrow, the Ohio House Policy and Legislative Oversight Committee will vote on a gun bill that includes “Stand Your Ground” language.  Congresswoman Fudge understands the right to self-defense,  but Stand Your Ground  laws eliminate the responsibility to retreat before using deadly force.  Consequently, her testimony will address public safety implications of Stand Your Ground laws and the impact they have on Concealed Carry laws and racial profiling.

In her prepared remarks, the Congresswoman will acknowledge the mothers of two young men, Trayvon Martin and Jordan Davis, whose deaths brought national attention to the Florida Stand your Ground legislation.  “The strength of Sybrina Fulton and Lucia McBath have inspired our nation,” said Congresswoman Fudge.  “I am moved by the senseless deaths of their young sons to prevent self-defense laws from allowing individuals to play the role of judge, jury and executioner.  Racial profiling, caused by culturally biased perceptions of individuals, has turned a system designed to protect, into one that targets.   Americans should not live in fear of their neighbor or the justice system.”

Click this link to watch a live webcast of the hearing. Internet Explorer does not support the software.  Viewing the hearing with the Google Chrome or Firefox browser is suggested.

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