In all but three states in the country it is perfectly legal for someone accused of committing a violent crime against and LGBT person to attempt to excuse their actions by means of the trans/gay panic defense. They argue that their interaction with their victim left them in a state of sexual or identity panic and they are therefor not entirely responsible for their actions. This defense has led to extreme reduction of penalties and even acquittals for hate crimes. It makes LGBT citizens second class in the eyes of the law and leads to more violent crimes against them.

That is why we are committed to making New York join California, Rhode Island and Illinois in outlawing this defense. Bigotry should not be an acceptable excuse in our courts.Join us every second and fourth Sunday of the month at 3pm at the Metro Justice Offices to create a movement that will finally end this embarrassment to our state. We will take to the streets, take to the offices of our legislators and do whatever else we need to, but we need people to do it!