Connecticut House Bill HB05191

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/21
• Refer: 1/15/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Duty To Retreat In A House Of Religious Worship.

Impact

Should this bill pass, it would significantly alter the framework of self-defense laws specifically within places of worship. By eliminating the retreat requirement, the amendment would empower individuals to act more decisively in self-defense scenarios without the obligation to seek safety first. Proponents of the bill argue that this change is essential for protecting congregants during potential threats, acknowledging risk in environments perceived as sacred but vulnerable.

Summary

House Bill 05191 proposes an amendment to section 53a-19 of the general statutes, focusing on the duty to retreat concerning self-defense actions in houses of religious worship. The main objective of the bill is to remove the legal requirement for individuals to retreat before employing deadly physical force when they believe it necessary to defend themselves or others within a religious setting. This legislative proposal has been introduced by Representative Fishbein and is currently assigned to the Judiciary Committee.

Contention

Opponents of HB 05191 may raise concerns regarding the implications of endorsing a more aggressive stance on self-defense in sensitive environments like religious institutions. The removal of the retreat requirement could lead to misinterpretations of self-defense situations, where individuals may resort to lethal measures without seeking nonviolent alternatives. Such a shift in legislation could also ignite discussions about the balance between safety and the sanctity of religious spaces, raising ethical considerations about the potential for increased violence.