OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) — The state legislature has passed a bill that prohibits homicide defendants from claiming a defense known as “gay panic.”
That’s described as a panic brought on by a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
Washington joins eight other states in banning the defense from courtrooms.
The bill named for Nikki Kuhnhausen, a transgender teen who was killed last year, passed the Senate on a 46-3 vote after the House passed it 90-5.