Gun-control group backs Onorato

CeaseFire PA embraces Democrat’s stance on Castle Doctrine. Republican rival Corbett supports expanding rights of those who are attacked to respond with deadly force.

Pennsylvania’s leading gun violence-prevention organization, CeaseFire PA, has endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato. The gun-control advocates support Onorato’s position on a particular piece of legislation.

The “Castle Doctrine” bill lawmakers may send to the governor’s desk expands the definition of personal property and removes the duty to retreat. In effect, it would allow people to defend themselves with deadly force when attacked.

Onorato opposes the legislation.

“We have a Castle Doctrine right now. We have one in Pennsylvania and I’m going to defend it but I will not expand it because that’s not a Castle Doctrine, that’s Yard Doctrine, that’s a Sidewalk Doctrine, that’s a Driveway Doctrine,” said Onorato. “It’s not in your home anymore.”

Republican Tom Corbett staked out his position in a debate over the weekend.

“I would sign it. This has been hotly debated throughout the legislature. It deals with somebody using weapons for self-defense,” said Corbett. “It clarifies what really are existing rules out there in many court cases. But it puts it into statute.”

The two candidates also differ on a bill requiring gun owners to report when a firearm is lost or stolen. Corbett opposes it, Onorato supports it.