Gay Panic Defense

A new law, effective 2018,  states that defendants accused of murder will no longer be allowed to try to reduce their possible sentences using what is known as the "gay panic' defense by saying their violence was an act of passion after learning a victim was gay.  And sexual orientation cannot be considered provocation for second degree murder.

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.