Urges ALEC to Disavow Lethal Law after Killing of Florida Teen

 
WASHINGTON, DC – National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial is among a diverse coalition of advocates, activists and civil rights leaders scheduled to address a protest rally at the Washington, D.C. headquarters of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), which wrote and promoted the deadly “Kill At Will” law that contributed to the death of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin.
 
The attendees also will deliver a letter to ALEC headquarters at 1100 Vermont Ave, NW in Washington demanding that the organization end its promotion of legislation involving firearms.
 
Other organizing sponsors include NAACP, ColorOfChange, Moveon.org, AFL-CIO, SEIU, ProgressNow, Center for Media and Democracy/ALECexposed.org, Presente, Public Campaign, Common Cause, People For the American Way, UltraViolet, Faith in Public Life, National Council of Churches, USAction,.
 
Florida’s Stand Your Ground law, or  "Kill at Will," was a contributing factor in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin, and may prevent the successful prosecution of his shooter. Since the law passed in Florida in 2005, the "justifiable homicide" rate there has jumped 300%.  ALEC has used its deep relationship with conservative lawmakers in state legislatures throughout the country to pass similar legislation in 25 states - and the tragic body count is growing.  ALEC also promotes legislation that promotes the financial interests of its corporate funders while undermining voters’ rights, workplace safety, and more.
 
WHAT:  Rally in Washington, DC, to protest the ALEC campaign to pass the "Shoot To Kill" laws that protect Trayvon Martin's shooter, and delivery of demand letter to ALEC headquarters
 
WHEN: 12 noon, Thursday, March 29.
 
WHERE:  ALEC Headquarters, 1100 Vermont Ave., NW Washington, DC
 
WHO:

• Marc Morial, National Urban League
• Rep. Corrine Brown (D-FL)
• Other members of Congress TBA
• Hilary Shelton, NAACP
• Rashad Robinson, ColorOfChange
• Lisa Graves, CMD/ALECexposed
• Mike Livingston, National Council of Churches
• Diallo Brooks, People For the American Way
• Rev. Jennifer Butler, Faith in Public Life
• Doug Clopp, Common Cause