Bill would add churches to Louisiana ‘stand your ground’ law

Louisiana would expand its “stand your ground” law to protect people who use deadly force in churches, under a bill heading to the full House for debate.

The House criminal justice committee backed the measure in a 9-8 vote Wednesday, on a party line decision with Democrats entirely in opposition.

Rep. Beryl Amedee, a Republican from Houma, is proposing to add churches, synagogues, mosques and other places of worship to the list of locations where Louisiana residents can use deadly force "to prevent unlawful entry" or "compel an unlawful intruder to leave."

The list already includes a person's home, place of business and vehicle.

Amedee cited recent shootings at churches and synagogues. Democrats objected to widening gun laws.

Oklahoma enacted a similar expansion last year.

Understanding Louisiana's Stand-Your-Ground and Castle Laws

via nola.com
https://www.nola.com

Police escort witnesses away from a mosque in central Christchurch, New Zealand, Friday, March 15, 2019, after mass shootings at two mosques full of people attending Friday prayers. (AP Photo/Mark Baker) (Mark Baker/)