Support LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act Against Hate Crimes

This important bill, the "LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023," aims to establish federal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and prohibit the use of discriminatory "panic defenses" that exploit societal biases. Such defenses perpetuate irrational prejudices and enable violence against the LGBTQ+ community by rationalizing criminal acts based solely on the victim's gender identity or sexual orientation. While courts can still consider factors like past trauma, these should not be used as justification for hate crimes targeting one's identity. Furthermore, mandating annual reporting on anti-LGBTQ+ crimes motivated by bias will provide crucial data to address this issue. I urge you to support the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023 and take a firm stance against legitimizing hatred through our legal system. Ensuring equal protection for all citizens, regardless of gender or sexuality, is a fundamental duty.