H.R. 4197

119th CONGRESS 1st Session

To amend title 18, United States Code, to prohibit defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES · June 26, 2025 · Sponsor: Mr. Pappas · Committee: Committee on the Judiciary

Table of contents

• H.R. 4197
  • 28. Prohibition on panic defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

28. Prohibition on panic defenses based on sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

• (a) Prohibition
  • No nonviolent sexual advance or perception or belief, even if inaccurate, of the gender, gender identity or expression, or sexual orientation of an individual may be used to excuse or justify the conduct of an individual or mitigate the severity of an offense.
• (b) Past trauma
  • Notwithstanding the prohibition in subsection (a), a court may admit evidence, in accordance with the Federal Rules of Evidence, of prior trauma to the defendant for the purpose of excusing or justifying the conduct of the defendant or mitigating the severity of an offense.