Michigan bans “LGBTQ+ panic” advocacy in courts

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has signed House Bill 4718, which bans the use of “LGBTQ+ panic” advocacy in state courts. With this, Michigan becomes the 20th state in the US to adopt the measure, which aims to prevent a person’s gender identity or sexual orientation from being used to justify violent attacks against them.

The bill was signed into law on July 23, along with 38 other bills. The new legislation prevents the so-called “gay or transgender panic” defense, which allowed defendants to argue that a sexual advance from an LGBTQ+ person was so shocking that it temporarily drove them insane, resulting in violent behavior.

Today marks 55 years since the protests at the Stonewall Inn, when LGBTQ+ activists bravely fought back against discrimination. Their courage ignited change, inspiring a movement that still marches on today. I’m proud to honor that legacy as we continue the fight for equality 🏳️‍🌈

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (@GovWhitmer) June 28, 2024

In addition to banning this advocacy, House Bill 4718 also expands legal safeguards for the LGBTQ+ community, protecting them from violence, discrimination, bias, and hate crimes. This action is part of Whitmer’s ongoing effort to make Michigan a safer and more inclusive state for all its residents.

Since her election as governor in 2018, Whitmer has stood out as a strong ally of the LGBTQ+ community. She recently recognized the 55th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising, banned conversion therapy for minors, expanded the state’s civil rights laws to include protections for queer people, and established the state’s first LGBTQ+ Commission.

Democratic Representative Laurie Pohutsky, who sponsored House Bill 4718, expressed her satisfaction with the bill’s passage, highlighting the importance of protecting the future of LGBTQ+ people in Michigan. “This bill, along with many other monumental pieces of legislation introduced by Michigan Democrats, is a huge step toward ensuring a safe and inclusive state for all Michiganders,” Pohutsky said.