Prohibits using a victim's gender identity or expression (including transgender status) as a defense, excuse, or mitigating factor in criminal cases, so perpetrators of violence against transgender people cannot reduce their legal responsibility based on panic about gender identity.
A nonviolent sexual advance or the perception or belief, even if inaccurate, of the sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, or gender identity of an individual may not be used as a defense to a criminal offense, to excuse or to justify the conduct of an individual who commits a criminal offense, or to mitigate the severity of a criminal offense during sentencing.
Why the model tagged it this way: The bill bans 'gay and transgender panic' defenses in criminal proceedings, which directly addresses legal recognition and protections for transgender and gay individuals by preventing their gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation from being used to justify or mitigate violence against them. This expands the topic axis by increasing perpetrator accountability and reducing the ability to use these identities as excuses. No other listed topics are substantively addressed.