Florida: Don't Expand Stand Your Ground!
The controversial Stand Your Ground law that was famously used to justify George Zimmerman's killing of Trayvon Martin in 2012, is still as strong as ever. No states have repealed the law since then, and Florida and Georgia strengthened theirs to allow more gunmen to be excused for their violence.
Now the Florida Supreme Court is considering a further expansion of Stand Your Ground. The new version, if passed, would eliminate the defendant's need to prove he or she attempted retreat in a public place. The defendant would only need to show that he or she feared death or grave bodily harm.
There have already been senseless deaths defended through Stand Your Ground. The new law would give gun carriers carte blanche to shoot anyone they felt afraid of, and people of color -- stereotyped as being more violent and dangerous -- would be endangered as a result. Please sign the petition to urge the Florida Supreme Court to reject an expansion of Stand Your Ground!
We are concerned that the Florida Supreme Court is considering a further expansion of Stand Your Ground. We understand that the new version, if passed, would eliminate the defendant's need to prove he or she attempted retreat in a public place. The defendant would only need to show that he or she feared death or grave bodily harm.
There have already been senseless deaths defended through Stand Your Ground, most famously that of Trayvon Martin. The new law would give gun carriers carte blanche to shoot anyone they felt afraid of, and people of color -- stereotyped as being more violent and dangerous -- would be endangered as a result. We respectfully urge you to reject an expansion of Stand Your Ground. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider our petition.
