Earlier this year, gun control advocates failed to block a Florida bill allowing people to use deadly force in the street to defend themselves. The advocates vow not to let that happen in Michigan.
The battle in Michigan over the so-called deadly force legislation is important for both sides in the gun debate. It could open the doors to similar laws across the country - a top priority for the National Rifle Association - or stop the effort in its tracks.
The Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence and the Million Mom March are sending out news releases criticizing the legislation and are calling lawmakers in an attempt to keep the bills from getting out of the House Judiciary Committee.
"This is a byproduct of having missed the boat in Florida," said Peter Hamm, director of communications for the Washington-based Brady Campaign. "We have been watching like a hawk for this to surface in other states."
The Michigan legislation would eliminate the requirement that people being attacked must retreat before responding with deadly force. It would allow people who feel threatened, even in a public area, to "meet force with force" and defend themselves without facing criminal or civil prosecution.
State Reps. Tom Casperson and Rick Jones, both Republicans, introduced the bills. They said that although it would be unlikely for a crime victim to face criminal charges for killing someone in self-defense, a law is needed to guarantee it.
"Our intent is to protect crime victims who are in imminent danger of losing their lives," said Jones, a former Eaton County sheriff. "This does not put more guns on the street. This will not create the OK Corral."
