Most people would consider it a civic duty, and even an act of Christian love, to call 9-1-1 when they see an accident, someone injured, a car off the road, or other emergency. For some people, this would of course be in addition to offering to render help immediately.

But should it be a crime to decide NOT to call 9-1-1?

This comes from Wyoming (cowboystatedaily.com):

*Use link above picture; photo does not have active links.

The case pushing this family was not an accident or injury: it was acidosis, and they say their son’s girlfriend saw him in acute distress and failed to call for medical assistance. The doctor said that his life could have been saved if dealt with promptly.

Think about this. Under Wyoming House Bill 47, people who knowingly ignore emergency situations could face fines and misdemeanor charges, with steeper penalties if inaction contributes to a fatal outcome. Sponsored by Rep. Steve Harshman, R-Casper, the bill would build on the growing nationwide trend in Good Samaritan laws, a movement that sprung in the 2010s from an opioid epidemic and spikes in drug-related deaths.

Is it possible to legislate civic virtue? We all applaud the kindness of the Good Samaritan, but is the necessary other side of that coin taking legal action against the priest and the Levite who left the mugged man laying on the path?

It is very easy to “let George do it.” Not just in responding to someone in need of help, but in the idea that government can and should force anyone (including us!) to do something good. One of the criteria that the apostle Paul establishes in the Bible to describe an “acceptable” human government is whether that human ruler “awards good behavior.” We submit that is a far different matter than forcing people to do something good. (Or, of course, bad.)

Indeed, such efforts always seem to backfire. The law becomes yet another hammer to be used by government officials or those with influence (such as “Karens” or Mrs. Grundys) to hit on people they don’t like. Supporting lawyers, spending all kinds of time in courts, getting newspapers sold (or clicks online). Punishing bad behavior is one thing; punishing a failure to do something good with fines and jail time does not seem to promote peace, well-being, or liberty.

Let us make this clear: “Good Samaritan laws” should not be about forcing someone to do something good. Their intent and justification are to protect someone who is trying to help someone from anger and retaliation if things don’t work out perfectly. This kind of action: making it a crime not to call 9-1-1? A surefire way to make life worse, not better.

As in so many matters, the key is education and example. Not public schools, but teaching by parents and relatives and friends for people to be observant, and know both how and when to ask for assistance. Whether it is from another family member, a friend, a stranger, or 9-1-1. And holding up examples of people doing the right thing at the right time and honoring them for what they do.

Humans are not donkeys that need a stick to make us do the right thing. We need love, encouragement, freedom, and teaching. A carrot is preferable to a stick, anyway.

And the legisgators in Wyoming and elsewhere need to remember Paul’s criteria: government tolerable and “acceptable to God” is government that praises those who do good.