Trayvon Martin's Wants Repeal Of "Stand Your Ground" Law
TALLAHASSEE (CBSMiami/AP) - The mother of Trayvon Martin joined Democratic lawmakers at the Florida Capitol on Wednesday to call on lawmakers to support the repeal of the so-called "Stand Your Ground" law.
Sybrina Fulton, whose unarmed 17-year-old son was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Sanford, joined Sen. Dwight Bullard, from Miami, and Rep. Alan Williams who are sponsoring a repeal bill (HB 4009) to push for its passage.
"How many times are we going to bury our loved ones and not do something about it," asked Fulton at the press conference. "We need to get rid of the law."
The state's self-defense law contains an element known as the Stand Your Ground provision which allows people who feel threatened to shoot back at assailants out in public. Zimmerman is charged with second degree murder and is claiming self-defense under the law.
It is likely to face opposition from Republicans who control the Legislature and backed the current law. A panel created by Gov. Rick Scott has recommended no major changes.
Scott said Tuesday that reviewing gun laws was "the right thing to do," the proposals face an uphill battle in the Republican-led and gun-friendly Legislature.
(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
