WA Lawmakers Pass Ban On Gay/Trans Panic Defense

ABC News reports:

A measure prohibiting homicide defendants from claiming a defense that panic brought on by a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity has been passed by lawmakers in Washington state.

Nine states — California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Nevada, New Jersey New York and Rhode Island — have legislatively banned the use of gay or transgender panic as a legal defense.

The Washington measure, passed by the Senate on a bipartisan 46-3 vote Wednesday, is named after Nikki Kuhnhausen, a transgender teen who was killed last year. The legislation now goes to Gov. Jay Inslee for his signature.

A high five to Washington state, which is poised to become the 10th US state to ban the trans and gay panic defense after the Senate passed the Nikki Kuhnhausen Bill.

It now awaits Gov Jay Inslee’s signature https://t.co/RAuVBEyVnG pic.twitter.com/BJUCjNbdTj

— Monica Roberts (@TransGriot) February 26, 2020