Looks like some lawmakers are fed up with the controversial “kill-at-will” law that has let many get away with murder in Florida.
Democratic leaders of the state’s legislature said that Florida must either repeal its “Stand Your Ground” self-defense law, or enact sweeping changes to prevent more tragedies like the fatal shooting of unarmed black teenager, Trayvon Martin.
The acquittal of Trayvon’s shooter, George Zimmerman, demonstrated the effects of the law, enacted in 2005.
“This bill actually encourages people to shoot their way out of situations and that’s not how we live in a civilized society,” said Democratic leader, Chris Smith. “It’s a mentality that has permeated the state of Florida. It’s a mentality of shoot first, and we should not have that in a civilized society.”
Florida House Democratic leader, Perry Thurston, joined Smith. They both called for a special session of the state’s Republican dominated legislature to do away with the law or make some changes to it.
And unless Florida makes some big changes quickly, the state is facing mounting boycotts (like Stevie Wonder’s refusal to perform in the state).
But Republican Governor Rick Scott would need to convene a special legislative session, as the state legislature is in recess. After a group of young demonstrators occupied his office and organized a sit-in calling for a special session, Scott indicated he had no plans to call such a thing.
The governor stressed, however, that the demonstrators had a “right to share their views with their state legislators and let them know their opinions on the law.”
Guess we’ll just have to wait and see how much pressure Florida Republicans can take before they bend on the SYG law.
SOURCE: Reuters
