Support LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act - End Biased Violence

Title: LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023 (SB2279) The "LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023" (SB2279) aims to prohibit the use of a victim's LGBTQ+ identity as a legal defense to justify violent crimes in federal courts. This bill responds to the concerning prevalence of "panic defenses" that perpetuate irrational prejudices and hatred towards the LGBTQ+ community. While permitting evidence of a defendant's past traumas, the legislation seeks to uphold principles of equal protection and curtail biases that enable violence against LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, it mandates annual reporting on federal hate crimes targeting this vulnerable population. By closing this legal loophole, the act represents a principled step towards fostering a more just and inclusive society that condemns discriminatory violence. I urge your support for this measure to ensure the federal judiciary upholds the dignity and rights of all citizens, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation.