Labor Movement to Join Protest of Deadly "Kill at Will" Legislation

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)The labor movement is joining a diverse coalition of advocacy organizations, activists, and national leaders today at noon to protest the American Legislative Exchange Council's (ALEC) paid promotion of deadly "Kill at Will" legislation written by the National Rifle Association (NRA). AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Liz Shuler and Metro Council President Jos Williams are among those attending. The law is being used to justify the killing of Trayvon Martin – an unarmed African American 17-year-old – in Florida and may prevent the successful prosecution of his shooter. Since the NRA wrote this law into Florida's books 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,” said Metro Council President Jos Williams, “and the tragic body count is growing.” The coalition accuses ALEC of pushing legislation “that promotes the financial interests of its corporate funders while undermining voter rights, workplace safety, and more,” including union-busting, as New York Times columnist Paul Krugman noted recently. Attendees plan to deliver a letter to ALEC’s DC headquarters at the noontime rally demanding that the organization end its promotion of legislation involving firearms. - photo of March 24 Justice for Trayvon Rally in DC (above right) courtesy of Rick Reinhard; below: AFL-CIO Executive Vice-President Arlene Holt Baker demonstrates her solidarity with Trayvon Martin by wearing a hoodie, as many will at today's rally.