Black lawmakers oppose gun plan

Associated Press

COLUMBUS

A group of black lawmakers in Ohio is circulating petitions to help keep a stand-your-ground proposal from being passed in the state.

The bill would allow people to use force to defend themselves without having a duty to first retreat.

Debate over such measures has increased after George Zimmerman’s acquittal in the 2012 Florida shooting death of unarmed teen Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman identifies as Hispanic; Martin was black.

The president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus says the state’s current self-defense laws are sufficient and shouldn’t be expanded.

Cincinnati Rep. Alicia Reece says the group is gathering signatures to show the governor and legislative leaders that the measure isn’t wanted.