Federal HB4197 prohibits defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal criminal cases.

Federal HB4197, the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2025, amends title 18, United States Code, to prohibit defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal criminal cases. The bill finds that such defenses are incompatible with federal law's intent to protect victims of bias-motivated crimes, including those against LGBTQ individuals. It prohibits the use of nonviolent sexual advances or perceptions of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation to excuse or justify conduct or mitigate the severity of an offense.

Federal HB4197 prohibits defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal criminal cases.

Federal HB4197, the LGBTQ+ Panic Defense Prohibition Act of 2025, amends title 18, United States Code, to prohibit defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression in federal criminal cases. The bill finds that such defenses are incompatible with federal law's intent to protect victims of bias-motivated crimes, including those against LGBTQ individuals. It prohibits the use of nonviolent sexual advances or perceptions of gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation to excuse or justify conduct or mitigate the severity of an offense.