In Phoenix, Arizona yesterday a house panel purposed allowing non lethal weapons like the Taser self defense device on campuses. I personally think it is a great idea. Yes, the will need monitoring, but it will allow those most at risk for rape and other types of assault to defense themselves.
Below is part of the article about: House panel OKs ‘non-lethal’ weapons on Arizona campuses
PHOENIX — Saying college and university students, faculty and visitors need more protection, a House panel voted Monday to let them arm themselves — at least somewhat.
HB 2172 would override existing regulations that now keep all weapons off campuses. Instead, people would be allowed to have “nonlethal” forms of self-defense.
Exactly what that includes, however, is less than clear.
“It’s not a gun, it’s not a huge knife, it’s not a sword,” said Rep. Travis Grantham, R-Gilbert, saying anything that could kill under normal circumstances would remain off-limits.
What it does include, he said, are various chemical sprays. And stun guns that shock a would-be assailant also would be allowed.
But Grantham rejected a suggestion that his legislation is too vague and that he needs to include a specific list of what would now be legal.
He said that closes the door to other forms of nonlethal weapons that may be under development. Grantham also rejected the idea that people won’t know what they can and cannot have.
“It’s pretty clear what’s lethal and what’s nonlethal,” he said.
The 8-3 vote of the House Education Committee came over the objection of Kristen Boilini, who lobbies on behalf of community colleges statewide. She said each of those colleges are run by locally elected boards.
“They listen to students, they listen to voters,” Boilini said. She asked lawmakers to leave that issue to local control.
I am a strong proponent of the personal right to defend yourself and I hope the Arizona House is able to pass this one. It may set a precedent for the rest of the country. Something like the non-lethal taser bolt would be a great choice for self defense.