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Opponents Of Florida’s 2005 ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law Predicted ‘Racially Motivated Killings’
How The NRA Fueled Florida’s ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law
By Josh Israel
When then-State Sen. Durell Peaden (R-FL) introduced Senate Bill 436 — the “Stand Your Ground” law that Sanford police have used to excuse the shooting and killing Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman — the National Rifle Association had already been working behind-the-scenes to make it happen.
<...>
The NRA heavily lobbied the Florida legislature for the bill. Their chief Florida lobbyist, Marion Hammer, called the measure the group’s top priority for the year.
And, beyond the lobbying and grassroots efforts, the NRA had already made a financial investment. They had given $500 contributions — the state’s legal limit — to 23 legislators at least once in the preceding five years (22 Republicans and one Democrat). They had backed Gov. Jeb Bush (R)’s re-election in 2002. And they had given $165,000 in contributions to the Florida Republican Party since 2000 — the majority party in both the state house and senate.
The legislature passed the bill with the support of all 22 of the the 23 recipients of NRA funds who voted. Gov. Bush signed the bill with NRA lobbyist Hammer by his side. The NRA claimed victory.
- more -
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/03/22/449961/how-nra-fueled-floridas-stand-your-ground-law/
By Josh Israel
When then-State Sen. Durell Peaden (R-FL) introduced Senate Bill 436 — the “Stand Your Ground” law that Sanford police have used to excuse the shooting and killing Trayvon Martin by George Zimmerman — the National Rifle Association had already been working behind-the-scenes to make it happen.
<...>
The NRA heavily lobbied the Florida legislature for the bill. Their chief Florida lobbyist, Marion Hammer, called the measure the group’s top priority for the year.
And, beyond the lobbying and grassroots efforts, the NRA had already made a financial investment. They had given $500 contributions — the state’s legal limit — to 23 legislators at least once in the preceding five years (22 Republicans and one Democrat). They had backed Gov. Jeb Bush (R)’s re-election in 2002. And they had given $165,000 in contributions to the Florida Republican Party since 2000 — the majority party in both the state house and senate.
The legislature passed the bill with the support of all 22 of the the 23 recipients of NRA funds who voted. Gov. Bush signed the bill with NRA lobbyist Hammer by his side. The NRA claimed victory.
- more -
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/03/22/449961/how-nra-fueled-floridas-stand-your-ground-law/
Opponents Of Florida’s 2005 ‘Stand Your Ground’ Law Predicted ‘Racially Motivated Killings’
By Judd Legum
SANFORD, FL — Nearly one month after shooting and killing Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman remains a free man. The Sanford Police maintain that Zimmerman’s conduct was legally justified under Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” legislation, enacted in 2005. The law eliminated the duty to avoid a confrontation and authorized the use of deadly force if there is a “reasonable belief” it is necessary to “prevent death or great bodily harm.”
Since the shooting on February 26, facts have emerged that suggest there may have been a racial element to Zimmerman’s violent conduct against a 17-year-old African-American. Zimmerman called the police to report Martin’s “suspicious” behavior, which he described as “just walking around looking about.” Zimmerman was a very frequent caller to 911, almost always reporting young black men.
Seven years ago, opponents of the “Stand Your Ground” legislation predicted it could lead to racially motivated killings. From Reuters, April 2005:
These objections, apparently, did not persuade Rep. Dennis Baxley, the bill’s chief sponsor and someone who hasn’t show a great deal of empathy for racial sensitivities in the past.
Baxley is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and has advocated for the production of a Florida license plate honoring “Confederate Heritage.” He also argued against removing a racial slur from the Florida state song.
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/03/21/449667/opponents-of-floridas-2005-stand-your-ground-law-predicted-racially-motivated-killings/
By Judd Legum
SANFORD, FL — Nearly one month after shooting and killing Trayvon Martin, George Zimmerman remains a free man. The Sanford Police maintain that Zimmerman’s conduct was legally justified under Florida’s controversial “Stand Your Ground” legislation, enacted in 2005. The law eliminated the duty to avoid a confrontation and authorized the use of deadly force if there is a “reasonable belief” it is necessary to “prevent death or great bodily harm.”
Since the shooting on February 26, facts have emerged that suggest there may have been a racial element to Zimmerman’s violent conduct against a 17-year-old African-American. Zimmerman called the police to report Martin’s “suspicious” behavior, which he described as “just walking around looking about.” Zimmerman was a very frequent caller to 911, almost always reporting young black men.
Seven years ago, opponents of the “Stand Your Ground” legislation predicted it could lead to racially motivated killings. From Reuters, April 2005:
“For a House that talks about the culture of life it’s ironic that we would be devaluing life in this bill,” said Democratic state Rep. Dan Gelber of Miami Beach. “That’s exactly what we’re doing.” [...]
Critics say the measure could lead to racially motivated killings and promote deadly escalations of arguments.
“All this bill will do is sell more guns and possibly turn Florida into the OK Corral,” said Democratic state Rep. Irv Slosberg of Boca Raton.
Critics say the measure could lead to racially motivated killings and promote deadly escalations of arguments.
“All this bill will do is sell more guns and possibly turn Florida into the OK Corral,” said Democratic state Rep. Irv Slosberg of Boca Raton.
These objections, apparently, did not persuade Rep. Dennis Baxley, the bill’s chief sponsor and someone who hasn’t show a great deal of empathy for racial sensitivities in the past.
Baxley is a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and has advocated for the production of a Florida license plate honoring “Confederate Heritage.” He also argued against removing a racial slur from the Florida state song.
http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2012/03/21/449667/opponents-of-floridas-2005-stand-your-ground-law-predicted-racially-motivated-killings/
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Now who could have expected this?
