At a press conference Thursday, members of the Central Florida Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (CFLB-LEO), again urged Gov. Rick Scott to call a special session to address Florida’s controversial ‘Stand Your Ground’ law.
Since the acquittal of George Zimmerman on second degree murder charges in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, an unarmed black teen, there have been increasing calls across the state for a review of Florida’s self-defense laws, including the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law. Some have also called for a boycott of the sunshine state, until changes are made to the laws.
Sen. Geraldine Thompson (12th District) said, she is very concerned that if there is a boycott of the state, it is the many hard-working Floridians who are employed in the hospitality industry who will be affected.
“Those of us representing central Florida and Orlando are concerned with all people feeling safe while visiting Florida,” she said. “There are groups scheduled to visit, who have indicated they have safety concerns with the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law. If there’s a boycott, African-Americans will be disproportionately affected.”
On Wednesday, the CFLB-LEO conveyed these sentiments in a letter to Scott, which in part stated, “Many associations and groups whose members are people of color have indicated that they do not feel safe in Florida because of a State law that allows individuals to shoot first and ask questions later.” Many of these individuals are questioning whether they can rely on the laws of Florida to discourage vigilantism and protect them when they along the streets and community in Florida, Thompson said.
Thompson made clear that the call for a special session to address Florida Statute 776, ‘Stand Your Ground’ and laws regarding the use of deadly force, had nothing to do with gun ownership. Rather, it is to revisit the laws, make the necessary changes following wide public input, with the view to ensuring there is no ambiguity or mis-interpretation.
Asked whether she supported a boycott of the state, Thompson replied:
“Oh, absolutely not. I represent the central Florida area and I represent low-income individuals who make the beds in our hotels, who sweep the side walks in our theme parks, who prepare and serve the food in our restaurants. So it would be my constituents who would be hurt if there is a boycott. I am trying to prevent a boycott, certainly not to advocate for one.”
Noting that a recent poll among Florida lawmakers didn’t produce the needed votes for a special session to be called, Thompson said it was still very important to renew that call and for Scott to demonstrate leadership.
“We have a very top down organization in Tallahassee and if the top doesn’t make this a priority, then other legislators are unlikely to see the need for a special session,” she said.
Several bills have already been filed in the Florida Legislature, including one to repeal the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law and another to expand the number of jurors, in certain instances.
Thompson was joined at today’s press conference by Oakland Town Commissioner Joseph P. McMullen and Ralph Armstead, attorney-at-law.
