Ignoring a veto threat, Illinois lawmakers voted Tuesday to offer greater legal protections for homeowners who shoot intruders despite local ordinances barring handguns.
The legislation was a response to the case of Hale DeMar, a Wilmette restaurant owner who shot a burglar who had broken into his home twice. Prosecutors declined to press charges for the shooting, but Wilmette officials charged DeMar with breaking the city's ban on handguns.
Under the bill now headed to the governor, someone who shoots an intruder on his or her property couldn't be convicted of violating a local gun ban. The bill would not prevent state charges if prosecutors believed the shooter committed a crime.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich promised to veto the measure if lawmakers approved it, but the House and Senate passed it by large enough majorities to override a veto. Tuesday's Senate vote was 41-16.
This looks like a good outcome to a bad situation -- assuming that the threatened veto either does not materialize or is successfully overridden.
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