Gay Panic Or Transgender Panic Defense (original) (raw)

Concerning banning the use of a panic defense unless a party can show its relevance to the court.

Bill Summary

The act states that, generally, evidence relating to the discovery of, knowledge about, or potential disclosure of the victim's actual or perceived gender, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, including under circumstances in which the victim made an unwanted, nonforcible romantic or sexual advance toward the defendant or if the defendant and victim are or have been involved in an intimate relationship, is irrelevant in a criminal case and does not constitute sudden heat of passion in a criminal case. The act creates a protective hearing if a party claims that such evidence is relevant and wants to use it in a criminal case.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)