Yes, the gay and trans 'panic' defense is still legal in a majority of states

[Behind the Aegis]

In May 2022, former Virginia Tech football player Isimemen Etute was found not guilty of second-degree murder in the 2021 death of Jerry Smith, a gay man who Etute initially believed to be a woman based on Smith’s Tinder profile.

People online claimed it appeared that Etute had used the gay or trans panic defense, which is a legal defense that claims a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity/expression is to blame for a defendant’s violent reaction.

In response, a tweet with hundreds of shares claims that “the gay/trans panic defense isn’t banned in the overwhelming majority of states.”

Yes, the gay and trans panic defense is still legal in a majority of states.

Link to tweet

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[vercetti2021]

1. Its not a defense

Its just a loophole for killing a gay or trans person without repercussions. This is why I carry a fucking gun on me, if some asshole tries to kill me because he "didn't" know I was trans. Best believe I'll defend my life over letting them kill me.

[msongs]

2. next is sincerely held religious beliefs as justification...ya know like xtian germans 1938

[TreasonousBastard]

3. I never understood that as a defense. Why should I be afraid...

of a guy who sees himself as a woman?

And would she want to harm me so that I would need to defend myself?

Nope, I simply see it as rage that this person would see me as receptive. Also rage that I might like it. Self rage, with a likely not-self target right there.

[Haggard Celine]

4. That's what I think, too.

If you kill someone and claim self-defense, which is essentially what these guys are doing, you should show how you were in mortal danger. Those guys aren't in fear for their lives; they're defending their 'manhood,' which is another thing altogether.

[rampartc]

5. louisiana juries are very sympatheic to the hustler

who cleans up and wears a tie to court. it is a disgrace on several levels.

[Skittles]

6. fucking snowflakes

disgusting

[Solly Mack]

7. I would have thought this would have more recommends.

It's a very important topic.

It matters to anyone who gives a fuck about civil rights.

[Behind the Aegis]

8. Let me be honest...

...well, not here, but suffice to say, it is not really that surprising a topic such as this is overlooked. Also, the day I posted this there was something else dominating that day (can't remember off the top of my head), so that plays into it sometimes too. For me, it is about getting this info out there, especially given the number of str8 and, yes, even gay people, who don't seem to realize that GLBT people are not full citizens in this country in the way many other minorities are not either. Then, of course, there is now Monkeypox, and according to some, we, homos, should just stop being so selfish and lay off the fucking til this passes. There are those, including among the left, who really aren't the allies they think they are.

[Solly Mack]

9. Don't get me started on monekypox. I've been having AIDS flashbacks with the exact same ignorance

being used by bigots.

Lots of things can be important all at the same time.

Lots of things that are important are connected even if they don't seem to be - civil rights, bodily autonomy...all important, all connected. All part of the same thing - human rights.

But yeah, I know what you're saying.

When someone expects us to be silent because someone else might get offended, well, they and those they are protecting from offense at the expense of our rights can fuck off.