COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Self-defense or excuse for murder? The debate on Castle Doctrine continues -- despite a landslide vote at the statehouse this week.

Using deadly force to protect yourself from real harm in your home is already allowed by law, but if you shoot and kill, you have to prove it was self defense, NBC 4's Erin Tate reported.

Now, a bill known as Castle Doctrine would give homeowners the benefit of the doubt. The state Senate passed it unanimously on Wednesday.

The Ohio Coalition Against Gun Violence calls it a license to kill.

If it becomes law, it extends to your vehicle, allowing you to protect yourself even from carjackers, using deadly force, Tate reported.

The Ohio Prosecuting Attorney's Association also opposes the bill. It said current law is sufficient and homeowners are rarely charged with murder for opening fire out of fear.

The Buckeye Firearms Association said that 20 states have a Castle Doctrine and said that just because the law changes, it doesn't turn honest people into bloodthirsty vigilantes.

The law will voted on next in the Ohio House -- as early as next week.

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