Gun Owners Rally For "Castle Doctrine" Approval

Several Hundred Gun Rights Supporters ...

... gathered on the steps of the Capitol this morning to voice support for a pair of bills
that would expand the rights of Pennsylvania citizens to use deadly force while protecting their homes and vehicles.

The gun rights rally comes against the backdrop of two bills, one recently passed by the House and another by the Senate, meant to strengthen the state's "Castle Doctrine," which prevents legal action from being taken against those who use force to defend their homes and property.

Gov. Tom Corbett has signaled that he will sign one of the bills if it reaches his desk, all but assuring that Pennsylvania residents will soon see expanded castle doctrine rights.

"The right to bear arms and defend yourself and your home is not a law given right but a God given right," said Rep. Daryl Metcalfe, R-Butler, who emceed the rally. "We think expanding the castle doctrine restores that natural right, which has been chipped away by liberal lawmakers for years."

Metcalfe was joined by about 20 other legislators who support the expansion of the castle doctrine and other gun rights. He said the next step for expanding the castle doctrine is tied to the House's version of the bill, which is currently under review by the Senate's Judiciary Committee.

"We've very optimistic that we can get a version of this bill onto the governor's desk in the near future," he said.

Speakers repeatedly stressed that the most important goal of the rally was educating legislators about the gun rights issues, such as the castle doctrine, that are important to Pennsylvania residents.

Following the gathering on the Capitol steps and outer grounds, many of demonstrators broke into small groups and took their platform into legislators' offices.

Larry Pratt, executive director of Gun Owners of America, a national gun rights lobbying group, served as the hour-long rally's keynote speaker.

He stressed the need to get younger Pennsylvanians involved in gun rights issues, and to combat what he called "media spin" in the castle doctrine debate.

Current state law dictates that a person can't use deadly force to defend themselves until after they have fulfilled their "duty to retreat." The new bills do away with the duty to retreat, and offer additional protections for state residents who use force to defend themselves or their families, backers say.

-- John Magnganaro

Video from the rally at link