The LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023, also known as Bill 118 hr 4432, is a piece of legislation introduced in the US Congress aimed at prohibiting the use of the LGBTQ+ panic defense in criminal cases. The LGBTQ+ panic defense is a legal strategy in which a defendant claims that they were provoked into committing a violent crime, such as assault or murder, because of the victim's sexual orientation or gender identity.
The bill seeks to eliminate this defense by making it illegal for defendants to use a victim's LGBTQ+ status as a justification for their actions in court. This would help ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals are not unfairly targeted or discriminated against in the legal system.
If passed, the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023 would send a strong message that violence against LGBTQ+ individuals is not acceptable and should not be excused or justified in any way. It would also help to protect the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ individuals by holding perpetrators accountable for their actions without allowing them to use their victim's identity as a shield.
Overall, this legislation represents an important step towards promoting equality and justice for the LGBTQ+ community in the United States.