Politics

CBC resolution to honor Trayvon Martin cites ‘racial bias’ as reason for death

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Members of the Congressional Black Caucus have introduced a resolution to honor slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin and condemn advocates of Stand Your Ground laws.

The resolution, sponsored by CBC Chairman Emanuel Cleaver, a Missouri Democrat, states that Martin shooter George Zimmerman’s “unfounded assumptions and racial bias led to the use of deadly force” and that “this case sets a horrific precedent of vigilante justice and compromises the integrity of the legal system.”

Florida Democratic Reps. Corrine Brown, Alcee Hastings and Frederica Wilson are co-sponsoring the legislation.

According to Cleaver, legislators must re-examine the “troubling ‘Stand your Ground law’ which has enabled George Zimmerman to remain free.”

“To honor Trayvon’s life and protect others, it is imperative that we shine a light on this controversial, dangerous, and sometimes, deadly law that has been adopted in over 20 states, to protect our communities, and the integrity of our nation’s legal system,” he said in a statement.

Hastings claimed that Stand Your Ground laws turn “streets into a showdown at the OK Corral.”

“Let Trayvon’s death not be for naught,” Hastings added. “Let us honor his life by righting this wrong, and seeing that justice is served for Trayvon and his family. George Zimmerman must be prosecuted for his admitted shooting of Trayvon Martin and the ‘Stand Your Ground’ law must be repealed.”

TheDC’s David Martosko reported Sunday that a majority of states with Stand Your Ground laws enacted them with bipartisan support. Florida was not an exception.

The resolution, officially introduced Friday and published on the CBC’s website Wednesday, was referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

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