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Introduced

HB4432: LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023

: Christopher Pappas (D-US) : May 25, 2026 Updated: Jun 30, 2023
Crime and law enforcement
Bill ProgressIntroduced
  1. 1Introduced (current step)
  2. 2Passed One Chamber
  3. 3Passed Both Chambers
  4. 4Became Law

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Bill information

Summary

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Plain-language summary

This bill would amend federal criminal law to prohibit defendants from using sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression as a legal defense in criminal cases. Currently, some defendants have argued that a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity provoked them into committing violence, sometimes called a 'panic defense.' The bill would eliminate this type of defense in federal courts. The bill was introduced in the House and is currently under consideration.

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HB4432: LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2023

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