WASHINGTON — Trayvon Martin’s mother told a panel of senators Tuesday that states’ “stand your ground” self-defense laws do not work and must be amended, reviving the politically charged gun-control issue a year ahead of the 2014 midterm elections.
But little besides politics emerged from the session, held in the Senate’s made-for-television hearing room.
“This law is an invitation for confrontation,” said Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., who chaired the session.
Republicans, led by Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, said the matter should be left to the states that passed the laws.
Said Cruz: “This is not about politicking. This is not about inflaming racial tensions. This is about the right of everyone to protect themselves and protect their families.”
The 2012 shooting death of Martin, 17 and unarmed, and the acquittal this year of neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman stirred racial tensions and sparked debate over stand-your-ground laws in Florida and at least 21 other states.
Sybrina Fulton told the panel that she attended the hearing so senators can “at least put a face with what has happened with this tragedy.”
