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For Immediate
Release
3/8/11
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Senate Passes Alloway Castle Doctrine
Legislation
HARRISBURG – The Senate passed legislation today sponsored by Sen. Richard
Alloway II (R-33) to expand the Castle Doctrine in Pennsylvania to protect gun
owners who act in self-defense.
Senate Bill 273 would remove the "duty to retreat" clause when an individual
is threatened by an attacker in any place that individual has a right to be,
including the individual's home or vehicle. The bill would provide important
protections against criminal prosecution or civil litigation for those who act
to defend themselves, Alloway said.
"This vote is a major victory for responsible gun owners who take action to
prevent dangerous criminals from threatening others," Alloway said. "I am deeply
thankful that my colleagues offered broad bipartisan support for this
common-sense measure to protect gun owners."
An individual would need to demonstrate a reasonable belief that he or she
was in imminent danger in order to use lethal force. The legislation was amended
to ensure that the Castle Doctrine applies only to individuals who legally
possess a firearm and does not apply if used against a peace officer.
"Critics have characterized this legislation as 'shoot first and ask
questions later,' but nothing could be farther from the truth," Alloway said.
"These amendments to the bill will help ensure that the Castle Doctrine can only
be applied to responsible gun owners who take action to protect human life."
The General Assembly passed legislation expanding the Castle Doctrine in 2010
by an overwhelming margin, but then-Governor Rendell vetoed the bill. Governor
Tom Corbett and leaders in the House of Representatives have voiced support for
expanding the Castle Doctrine to protect law-abiding gun owners.
CONTACT:
Sally Kohr
(717) 787-4651
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