George Zimmerman Case: Stand Your Ground Law Prompts Musical Icon To Boycott Performance [VIDEO]
Music icon Stevie Wonder told the crowd at his Canada concert on Sunday that he will not perform in the Florida until the state repeals its Stand Your Ground law, according to The Huffington Post.
The 63-year-old musician vowed to boycott U.S. states with similar legislation in light of the role the controversial law played in George Zimmerman's recent acquittal regarding the shooting and death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin.
"I decided today that until the Stand Your Ground law is abolished in Florida, I will never perform there again," Wonder said in Quebec City. "As a matter of fact, wherever I find that law exists, I will not perform in that state or in that part of the world. The truth is that -- for those of you who've lost in the battle for justice, wherever that fits in any part of the world -- we can't bring them back."
"What we can do is we can let our voices be heard," he added. "And we can vote in our various countries throughout the world for change and equality for everybody. That's what I know we can do."
Florida's Stand Your Ground law is facing heavy scrutiny since it became a major point of contention in the Zimmerman trial. The law demands that authorities have proof that refute a self-defense claim before arresting or trying someone who said he or she acted in a manner of self-defense.
Zimmerman wasn't arrested for 44 days after he shot and killed Martin on Feb. 26, 2012, because of the respective law. Public outrage eventually led to his arraignment on May 8, 2012.
Stateline reported that at least 22 states have similar Stand Your Ground laws with varying interpretations. In some regions, an individual evoking the law must first attempt to flee the confrontation before using force, while other states only allow the law to be established if a person is in their home or office when protecting themselves. Florida has neither of those restrictions on their law.
