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The LGBT Bar is dedicated to promoting justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity.
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For Immediate Release
February 16, 2018

Contact: Mari Nemec
(202) 637-7661 / mari@lgbtbar.org

Statement on Governor Andrew Cuomo's 30 Day Budget Amendments 

Washington, D.C. - The National LGBT Bar Association applauds Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York for his effort to ban the so-called gay and trans 'panic' defense in the state of New York.

Yesterday, Governor Cuomo announced the inclusion of a measure prohibiting so-called gay and trans 'panic' defenses in his 30 day budget amendments. This news comes on the heels of the implementation of a law banning gay and trans 'panic' defenses in Illinois, protecting victims of violence in Illinois courts. Legislation (H7066) was also introduced in Rhode Island this January that would outlaw so-called gay and trans ‘panic’ defenses in the state and protect LGBT Rhode Islanders.

Gay and trans ‘panic’ defenses ask a jury to find that a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity is to blame for the defendant’s excessively violent reaction. Such a defense deems LGBT lives less valuable than others and allows violent criminals to avoid accountability. 

The LGBT Bar is proud to be leading the effort to ban these defenses across the country. In 2013, the American Bar Association unanimously approved a resolution – spearheaded by The LGBT Bar, in partnership with the Criminal Justice Section of the ABA – calling for an end to such heinous defense arguments. That resolution has served as a framework for action throughout the nation, including California and Illinois, two states that have banned this outdated and harmful defense. 

The National LGBT Bar Association cannot push this important work forward without the help of other dedicated advocates of equality, including our members. We encourage others to express support for Governor Cuomo's amendments. 
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The National LGBT Bar Association is a national association of lawyers, judges and other legal professionals, law students, activists and affiliated lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender legal organizations. The LGBT Bar promotes justice in and through the legal profession for the LGBT community in all its diversity.
Copyright © 2018 The National LGBT Bar Association, All rights reserved.

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