ARK GOV SIGNS “STAND YOUR GROUND”— 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. Despite his past concerns, the Republican governor signed the so-called “Stand Your Ground” bill Wednesday that removes a person’s duty to retreat from a threat before deadly force can be used, Some lawmakers expressed concerns that the bill will make racial minorities more vulnerable to acts of violence.
"I do believe the law is not problematic in terms of the language of the legislation, but in terms of the reaction of the people to that legislation, I am concerned as to how they would interpret this," Governor Asa Hutchinson (R) Arkansas
“I do believe the law is not problematic in terms of the language of the legislation, but in terms of the reaction of the people to that legislation, I am concerned as to how they would interpret this, as to how they will interpret their use of firearms even though the legislation itself does not – even the sponsors say, doesn’t change that much,” Hutchinson said.
Hutchinson said he hoped that legislators who supported the Stand Your Ground bill will also pass hate crimes legislation which has failed to advance in the Senate. Senate Bill 3 would enhance penalties for crimes committed against a person because of 12 characteristics, including race, religion and sexual orientation. Hutchinson called the two bills complementary.
