LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2025

Protection of LGBTQ Individuals: The bill aims to end the use of defenses that characterize sexual orientation or gender identity as reasonable excuses for a loss of self-control, which the bill states undermines the responsibility of a perpetrator (Section 2).

Fairer Criminal Prosecutions: By prohibiting defenses that appeal to irrational fears and hatred, the bill seeks to prevent unjustifiable acquittals or sentencing reductions in Federal criminal prosecutions (Section 2).

Equality Under the Law: The legislation is intended to end the notion that LGBTQ lives are worth less than others and reflect a modern understanding of these individuals as equal citizens (Section 2).

Prevention of Crime Mitigation: Under the proposed Section 28(a), no nonviolent sexual advance or perception of a victim's gender or sexual orientation may be used to excuse or justify conduct or mitigate the severity of an offense (Section �3).

Restriction of Defense Options: The bill prohibits the use of a victim's sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression to excuse or justify an individual's conduct or mitigate an offense, except in cases of prior trauma (Section 3).

Limitations on Evidence: While a court may admit evidence of a defendant's prior trauma to excuse or mitigate an offense, the use of sexual orientation or gender identity as a basis for such a defense would be prohibited (Section 3).