Angela Giampolo of Giampolo Law Group in Philadelphia.
In courtrooms across America, the “gay/trans panic defense” has long undermined justice for LGBTQ+ individuals. This controversial strategy allows defendants to justify violence against LGBTQ+ people by claiming that the victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity provoked their aggression. As society progresses, this defense is facing increased scrutiny, revealing deep-rooted biases within both the legal system and society.
The persistence of this defense raises critical questions about equal protection under the law and highlights the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and equality. The legal system, which should uphold fairness and impartiality, instead reflects and perpetuates societal prejudices through this tactic.
