Michigan is the latest state to ban the 'gay and trans panic' criminal defense, making it unlawful to use 'the discovery of a person's actual or perceived gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation as justification for the commission of a crime.'
Advocates highlight high-profile cases of using 'gay panic' defense, leading to reduced charges; American Bar Association denounces successful use as 'a miscarriage of justice.'
The 'gay or trans panic defense' is utilized in violent crime cases to mitigate culpability by claiming victim's sexual identity influences defendant's actions for acquittal or lesser charges.
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