Fla. Democrats want repeal of ‘stand your ground’
Jan 16, 2013, 8:27 PM
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) – The mother of Trayvon Martin and Democratic lawmakers are calling for the repeal of Florida’s so-called “stand your ground” law but it’s unlikely to go anywhere in the state’s Legislature.
Sybrina Fulton joined state Rep. Alan Williams and state Sen. Dwight Bullard on Wednesday in calling for repeal. Fulton’s unarmed 17-year-old son was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman last year.
Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder but claims he acted in self-defense under the law, which says people can use deadly force if they feel threatened.
Williams has filed a bill to repeal it, but it’s likely to face opposition from Republicans who control the Legislature. A panel created by Republican Gov. Rick Scott to examine the law has recommended no major changes.
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