Stevie Wonder Boycotts Florida

Reacting to the verdict in the George Zimmerman trial, Stevie Wonder told a Quebec City audience July 14 that he will not perform in Florida until that state’s “Stand Your Ground” provision is abolished.

Adopted by Florida as well as several other states, “Stand Your Ground” essentially allows a person to use force while defending one’s self. Although Zimmerman’s defense team did not invoke the provision, according to NPR, Stand Your Ground has become an extremely controversial issue since Zimmerman shot and killed an unarmed Trayvon Martin in February 2012 in Sanford, Fla.

In a Florida trial receiving wall-to-wall media coverage, Zimmerman was acquitted of all charges July 13, one day before Wonder appeared in Quebec City.

Wonder also said he will not perform in any state that has a “Stand Your Ground” law. However, such a promise might limit Wonder from embarking on any extensive U.S. tour. Several states have some form of Stand Your Ground on the books.