Michigan bans 'gay and trans panic' defense as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signs historic bill (exclusive)
HB 4718 prohibits using the "sexual orientation or gender identity of a victim as a defense to a crime."
July 24, 2024
CONTACTAbout UsCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2025 Equal Entertainment LLC.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
gay and trans panic defense
Gay/Trans 'Panic' Defense Leads to Accused Killer's Acquittal
Isimemen Etute says he thought Jerry Paul Smith was a woman when they met for sex. He later beat Smith to death.
May 31, 2022
Bill in Congress Would Ban Gay, Trans 'Panic' Defenses
The legislation would prevent defendants from claiming that a crime was justified by the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity.
June 5, 2019
New Hampshire Takes Step to Outlaw 'Gay and Trans Panic Defenses'
The bill will now go to the state's Senate for a vote.
January 11, 2022
Colorado Bans Gay and Trans 'Panic' Defenses, Eases Access to PrEP
Gov. Jared Polis signed the bills into law Monday, along with one making it easier for minors to change the gender on their birth certificates.
July 14, 2020
Calif. Becomes First State to Ban Gay, Trans 'Panic' Defenses
In a groundbreaking move, the state takes a stand against defendants being able to use a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity as justification for murder.
September 29, 2014
Delaware Becomes 17th State to Outlaw 'Gay and Trans Panic' Defense
The legislation was championed by out lawmakers, including Eric Morrison and Sarah McBride.
October 2, 2023
Transgender Legislator Introduces Bill to Abolish Gay & Trans 'Panic Defense'
The first out transgender person elected to office in Montana invoked a recent attack on someone the attacker claimed was trans in support of her bill outlawing the panic defense.
February 23, 2023
Florida Dems File Bill Ending Gay and Trans Panic Defense
The bill would forbid defendants from claiming in court that they were temporarily incapacitated with shock over discovering a potential partner's sexual orientation or gender identity.
January 26, 2023
California: Criminal Defendants Won't Be Able to Say This In Court
Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign a bill into law that bars criminal defendants from using homophobic and transphobic arguments in court.
August 28, 2014
New York Gov. Signs Ban of Gay, Trans Panic Defenses in Murder Cases
Andrew Cuomo's action comes shortly after the signing of similar bills in Hawaii and Connecticut.
July 1, 2019
Suspect in Atlanta Beating Invokes 'Trans Panic' Defense
In an interview with a local news outlet, one suspect in last month's beating of two transgender women claims he was provoked, using a "trans panic" or "gay panic" defense in his explanation of the night's events.
June 3, 2014
'Gay Panic' Defense Ban Back on Track in New Hampshire
A bipartisan bill eliminating use of the controversial tactic was pulled last week over objections by some lawmakers.
June 26, 2023
Democrats Push to Outlaw 'Gay Panic' Defense
Attacking an LGBT person after they make an unwanted sexual advance is indefensible, opponents say.
July 13, 2018
Why This Texas Man Got Probation for Murdering Gay Neighbor
No one disputes that the killer stabbed a gay man twice in the back. But, they say, it was self-defense.
April 29, 2018
N.J. Bans ‘Gay Panic’ Murder Defense and Not One Legislator Objects
Assailants are now banned from claiming they committed hate crimes or murders "in the heat of passion" upon finding out the victim was LGBTQ.
January 21, 2020
Republicans Put 'Gay Panic' Defense Ban on Pause in New Hampshire
New Hampshire was on the brink of banning the "gay panic" defense, until the law was put on hold at the last minute.
June 17, 2023
Virginia Bans LGBTQ+ 'Panic' Defense for Murder, Manslaughter
Gov. Ralph Northam has signed the bill authored by Del. Danica Roem, making Virginia the 12th state to restrict the defense's use.
April 1, 2021
Kamala Harris on Denying Gender Affirmation Surgery to Trans Inmates
Harris said that while she had to serve the California Dept. of Corrections, she worked behind the scenes to change the anti-trans policy.
September 20, 2019
Cops: Man Admitted to Killing Islan Nettles in 'Blind Rage'
Activists hope that James Dixon’s reported “blind rage” confessions will not deter justice for the black trans woman he is on trial for killing.
April 1, 2016
Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg Disappoint at CNN Town Hall
Sen. Harris tripped up on terminology relating to LGBTQ people, and Buttigieg declined to go in-depth on his policies.
April 23, 2019