Dear Ralph,

In 2005, Florida became the first state to pass a “Stand Your Ground” law, which justifies a person to stand and fight wherever they are, rather than walk away from danger. Since then, more than 30 other states have passed similar laws.

These laws don’t make us safer. Florida has seen the devastation that results from Stand Your Ground. We’ve seen families ripped apart and watched as the death tolls rise.

Stand Your Ground isn’t justice. It only leads to more violence.

Republican state legislators in Florida have agreed to “review” the Stand Your Ground law — but review isn’t enough. Right now, we have a chance to turn up the pressure on Florida Republicans to repeal Stand Your Ground altogether.

I’m joining with my colleague Rep. Carolyn McCarthy to spark a grassroots movement in support of repealing Stand Your Ground. Let Florida Republicans know that you’re with us. Add your voice to mine and thousands of others today. 

Eight years of Stand Your Ground has shown us the damage it causes to families. And it’s time for it to end.

Thank you for joining me.

Debbie