Resistbot
  1. United States
  2. Ariz.
  3. Letter

Pass LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act to end hate crimes.

To: Sen. Kelly, Sen. Sinema, Rep. Ciscomani

From: A verified voter in Tucson, AZ

July 20

The LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023 would prohibit defendants from justifying violent crimes against LGBTQ+ victims based solely on the victim's identity. This bill aligns with the American Bar Association's recommendation to reduce antiquated and discriminatory "panic defenses" that are antithetical to federal protections for victims of bias-motivated crimes. While allowing courts to consider trauma experienced by defendants, the legislation rightly disallows using a victim's LGBTQ+ status alone as a legal defense for violence. Requiring annual reporting on LGBTQ+-motivated federal crimes is also a crucial step towards accountability.

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