Church self-defense law nears the finish line

A proposal to expand the Self-Defense Act to places of worship received key approval from the Oklahoma Senate on Thursday, which could lead to gun owners feeling more comfortable bringing their firearms to church.

House Bill 2632 passed the Senate by a vote of 42-1. Lawton Democrat Randy Bass was the sole vote against the measure.

While in the Senate, lawmakers amended the bill in a way that mostly clarified the proposal’s language and intent. Because it was amended, it must now head back to the House floor for a final vote. It can then be acted on by Gov. Mary Fallin.

The measure adds places of worship to the list of locations where someone can legally use deadly force in defense of themselves or another person. State Sen. Micheal Bergstrom, R-Adair, said the rest of the Self-Defense Act, which is existing law, remains the same.

“This bill provides the same legal protections to places of worship as current law provides for homeowners and businesses,” Bergstrom said, “when a person uses defensive force to protect himself or others.”

Bass asked whether the person viewed as a threat must have a weapon for the act to become relevant in that situation.

“The language here makes it clear that you have to, as it is under the

rest of the Self-Defense Act, you can’t be using self-defense force if you’re not threatened. You have to feel that you are threatened,” Bergstrom replied. “That makes it clear there has to be some reason you felt that you were threatened and needed to use that defensive force, or that someone else is threatened.”

The Self-Defense Act currently applies to threats inside homes, businesses and vehicles. If deadly force is used, investigators will determine if the force was justified. Depending on the outcome, a person could be criminally and civilly liable if their actions weren’t proper under the law.

Bergstrom’s legislation faced a tougher route through the House, where 19 Democrats and two Republicans voted against it last month. It’s likely to pass, however, if House leadership brings it to the floor.