Bill > S2201

This bill seeks to prohibit "panic defenses" in federal criminal proceedings, which are legal strategies that attempt to partially or completely excuse violent crimes against LGBTQ+ individuals by suggesting that the victim's sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression was provocative enough to justify the defendant's violent reaction. The bill finds that such defenses are rooted in historical prejudice, appeal to irrational fears and hatred, and undermine the justice system's commitment to protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from bias-motivated crimes. Specifically, the legislation would amend federal law to prevent defendants from using nonviolent sexual advances, perceptions of sexual orientation, or gender identity as a justification or mitigation for their criminal conduct. While the bill generally prohibits these panic defenses, it does allow courts to consider evidence of the defendant's prior trauma when evaluating the circumstances of an offense. Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General to submit an annual report detailing federal prosecutions of crimes committed against LGBTQ+ individuals that were motivated by the victim's gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation, with the ultimate goal of recognizing LGBTQ+ individuals as equal citizens under the law and eliminating discriminatory legal practices.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/2201/all-info