WCTV - Politics - Headlines

Rep. Wilson to Push Bill to Deter 'Stand Your Ground' Law

By: The News Service of Florida
Posted: Thu 8:30 AM, Jun 14, 2012

Tallahassee, Florida - June 14, 2012 -

Congressional Democrats from Florida will introduce legislation seeking to force states to repeal "stand your ground' laws that give those under attack more lenient treatment when they've fought back. Rep. Frederica Wilson, D-Fla., is spearheading the move, saying Trayvon Martin, who lived in her district, might not have been shot this year if George Zimmerman hadn't felt protected by such a liberally-applied self defense law. Zimmerman is expected to claim self defense under the stand your ground law, passed in 2005 in Florida, which says those who feel threatened have no duty to try to get out of a situation before taking lethal action. The law is also under close scrutiny in Florida, where a panel appointed by Gov. Rick Scott to give it a new look held its first meeting on Tuesday. "The thought that George Zimmerman could get away with such a horrendous crime is a travesty of justice," Wilson said in a statement announcing she would push for the legislation. Zimmerman hasn't been convicted, but faces second degree murder charges. Wilson said she plans to introduce the measure next week. It would withhold federal transportation money from states that adopt stand your ground laws. Observers say in the Republican-controlled Congress the measure has no chance of passage.


Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
powered by Disqus

Helpful Links

Get to know the President of the United States by visiting The White House President's Page

Learn more about the United States Congress at
www.house.gov and www.senate.gov

Not sure which precinct to vote at?
Visit the Georgia Precinct Locator

Want to know what you need to do to register to vote in Georgia? Visit www.sos.state.ga.us/elections

Also visit the State of Georgia website

Find out more about elections in Georgia at the
Georgia Elections website

Know when to head to the Georgia polls by browsing
Georgia Voter Information

Know when to head to the Florida polls by visiting the
Florida Voter Information Page

Find out more about Florida Voting Systems

Want to talk to your elected officials? Visit Florida’s Contact Your Elected Officials Page

Get your Florida voter registration application at
election.dos.state.fl.us

Learn more about how Florida does elections at the Florida Division of Elections Web Site

Visit the State of Florida Web Site

CBS Political Headlines

WCTV 1801 Halstead Blvd. Tallahassee, FL 32309
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2013 - Designed by Gray Digital Media - Powered by Clickability
User Agent: CCBot/2.0 - 159029695