Cuomo Signs Legislation Outlawing ‘Gay Panic’ Defense In NY

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo talks to reporters before kicking off the 2019 WorldPride / Stonewall50 Parade in New York City. (Don Pollard/Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo)

NEW YORK – New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that would bar people who attack or kill a gay person from arguing they panicked over their victim’s sexuality.

The Democrat signed the bill on Sunday in Manhattan, where he was taking part in the city’s LGBTQ pride march.

The state Legislature passed the measure earlier in June.


Previously, those accused of violent attacks could argue that they were under extreme distress, that they panicked after the victim made a sexual advance or otherwise revealed their sexuality.

The legislation made it that such an excuse could not be considered a “reasonable explanation” for a violent crime.



Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.