Montana House Tables Bill to Ban Trans Panic Defense
The Montana House of Representatives has tabled a bill that would prevent defendants from using the trans panic defense in criminal proceedings. The bill, HB 552, was introduced by Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the first openly transgender person elected to the Montana legislature. The trans panic defense is a legal strategy that asks a jury to find that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for the defendant’s violent reaction, including murder. This defense legitimizes and excuses violent and lethal behavior against members of the LGBTQ+ community.
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