Ann Arbor Council: Repeal “Stand Your Ground”

Responding to public comment following the mid-July verdict in Florida’s Trayvon Martin case, the Ann Arbor city council has called upon the Michigan state legislature to repeal Michigan’s version of a “stand your ground” law. The Ann Arbor council’s resolution also calls for the repeal of legislation that prevents local municipalities from regulating the sale, transfer, transportation, or possession of firearms and ammunition.

The state statutes that the Ann Arbor council wants repealed are the Self Defense Act 309 of 2006 and the Firearms and Ammunition Act 319 of 1990. The council’s action came at its Aug. 8, 2013 meeting.

The resolution cites an “outpouring of local voices calling for the repeal of Michigan’s Stand Your Ground Law,” that were heard following the mid-July verdict in the Trayvon Martin case. That included public commentary at the council’s July 15, 2013 meeting as well as subsequent public demonstrations.

The council’s vote was 10-1 with dissent from Marcia Higgins (Ward 4), who said she agreed with the sentiments in the resolution, but was not sure that everyone in the city did. She also said that she felt it would be more effective for people to weigh in with the state legislature as individuals.

The Trayvon Martin case involved an African American youth, Martin, who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman. Zimmerman was found not guilty of the crime, based on Florida’s “stand your ground” law.

This brief was filed from the city council’s chambers on the second floor of city hall, located at 301 E. Huron. A more detailed report will follow: [link]