Michigan Senate passes bill to ban 'gay panic' defense [View all]

(Michigan Advance) A bill that would bar the “gay panic” and “trans panic” defenses from being used in court was passed Thursday by the Michigan Senate.

House Bill 4718 would prohibit using a legal defense that would either partially or completely excuse crimes such as murder and assault on the grounds that the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity were to blame.

It passed 24-14, with four Republicans — Sens. Mark Huizenga (R-Walker), Dan Lauwers (R-Brockway), Jonathan Lindsey (R-Sturgis), and Ed McBroom (Vulcan) — joining all Democrats voting in favor.

That was in contrast to when state Rep. Laurie Pohutsky (D-Livonia) put forward the bill last year and it passed the House on a 56-53 party line vote, with every Republican who was present voting against it. .................(more)

https://michiganadvance.com/briefs/michigan-senate-passes-bill-to-ban-gay-panic-defense/