March 20, 2023
LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Ban Legislation Passes House Public Safety Committee
SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Today, the House Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee heard HF 4657, Rep. Brion Curran’s (DFL-White Bear Lake) bill banning the LGBTQ+ “Panic” Defense. The bill was passed as amended and sent to the General Register on a voice vote.
According to the National LGBTQ+ Bar, the LGBTQ+ panic defense is a legal strategy where “defendants charged with violent crimes weaponize their victim’s real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity/expression to reduce or evade criminal liability”.
"Our community is still grieving and healing from the horrific violence that ended the life of our trans/two-spirit relative, Savannah Ryan Williams and her family deserves justice," said Rep. Curran. "It is far past time to ban the LGBTQ+ panic defense, which allows criminals to exploit a temporary emotional state to excuse heinous acts. True justice demands accountability, and this bill sends a clear message of support for our LGBTQ2S+ neighbors.”
HF 4657 bans the use of the LGBTQ+ panic defense in Minnesota. It establishes that using force against another based on a belief about the other person’s sexuality is not an authorized use of force. As of 2023, 17 states and Washington DC have banned the LGBTQ+ panic defense.
A video of the committee hearing can be found here.
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