Republicans in charge at the Statehouse appear as determined as ever to make it easier to carry weapons. Action on a wide-ranging gun bill easing sound requirements now in place appears likely in the post-election, or lame duck, session, the final result combining House and Senate versions.

The Senate bill is bad enough. Among other things, it would loosen the requirements for felons to regain their gun rights, lower the hours of training necessary to obtain a permit to carry a concealed weapon and allow non-residents who work in the state to get a concealed-carry license…

Currently, Ohio holds to the “castle doctrine,” allowing individuals to use deadly force in their home or vehicle. The House bill unwisely proposes to expand the doctrine to all locations where a gun can be carried legally…

…In placing undue emphasis on the rights of gun owners, Republican lawmakers have shouldered aside well-founded concerns for public safety.

State Sen. Uecker now is eyeing an amendment that would allow active duty military members under age 21 to obtain a concealed carry permit, something not permitted by state law.

“It’s not right to be defenseless in light of obvious hazard,” the senator said, noting that the military wants its members to be alert to terrorist threats from the Islamic State.

What he misses is that the actual threat in Ohio comes from within, when confrontations between armed citizens turn deadly.

 

Akron Beacon Journal