North Carolina H497 prohibits the "gay and trans panic" defense in prosecutions for homicide or assault.

North Carolina H497 amends the state's statutes to explicitly prohibit the use of the "gay and trans panic" defense in homicide or assault cases. This means that the discovery, perception, or belief about another person's sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation cannot be used as a defense in such prosecutions. The bill also clarifies that this prohibition does not prevent the admission of relevant and otherwise admissible evidence about a victim's or witness's conduct, behavior, or statements. The changes apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.

North Carolina H497 prohibits the "gay and trans panic" defense in prosecutions for homicide or assault.

North Carolina H497 amends the state's statutes to explicitly prohibit the use of the "gay and trans panic" defense in homicide or assault cases. This means that the discovery, perception, or belief about another person's sex, gender, gender identity, or sexual orientation cannot be used as a defense in such prosecutions. The bill also clarifies that this prohibition does not prevent the admission of relevant and otherwise admissible evidence about a victim's or witness's conduct, behavior, or statements. The changes apply to offenses committed on or after December 1, 2025.