Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) – with the backing of the California Legislative Black Caucus – said he would introduce a Resolution calling for a repeal of Florida’s “stand-your-ground†law and urging a boycott of Florida in the wake of the not guilty verdict in the shooting of Trayvon Martin.
“When I heard the verdict last weekend, I was disappointed and saddened. Another young black child is dead and nobody is being held accountable,†said Assemblymember Holden. “It is a true nightmare scenario for every black parent in America, and a sad commentary on racial injustice in this country.
While sitting in a downtown Los Angeles courthouse waiting to be called for jury duty earlier this week, I thought ‘What do we do now’? I urge the Department of Justice to investigate civil-rights charges against Zimmerman and it is my sincere hope that the tragic death of Trayvon Martin compels legislators in Florida and other states to put an end to stand-your-ground laws. I keep asking myself – didn’t Trayvon Martin have a right to also stand his ground? What were Trayvon Martin’s rights?
Until then, I plan to plan to introduce a Resolution on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus urging a boycott of Florida, and encouraging all organizations, businesses, and families who would normally do business with or travel to Florida to consider patronizing other states; it’s just not safe to travel in Florida until the law is changed.
The death of Trayvon Martin is a tragedy that will reverberate across the country. My heart is heavy, but I continue to believe that a peaceful, lawful solution is the only answer. By boycotting Florida tourism, conventions, and conferences we send a clear message that the death of an unarmed black teenager cannot be tolerated.â€