Gay Panic Defense

A new law banning what's known as the "gay panic defense" for defendants accused of murder, becomes effective in January, 2018.  Defendants will no longer be allowed to argue they acted out of passion after learning a victim was gay.  People accused of first-degree murder will not be able to use that claim as a mitigating factor to reduce their possible punishment.  And sexual orientation cannot be considered provocation for second-degree murder.