RICHMOND, VA — (04-07-21) — Virginia lawmakers made history this week becoming the 12th state in the union to ban the “gay and trans panic” defense in manslaughter and murder cases.

The bill was introduced by the state’s only transgender lawmaker, Delegate Danica Roem (D-District 13),  earlier this year.  For decades defendants charged with murder or manslaughter of LGBTQ Americans, were able to use the “gay and trans panic” defense to justify their actions, placing the blame for their homicidal actions on a victim’s actual or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity”.

Delegate Danica Roem introduced the bill in the Virginia House of Delegates earlier this year, and Gov. Ralph Northam signed the bill last week. It goes into effect in July 2021.

Article by: Paul Goldberg, Staff Writer

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