Vermont House passes H.128, banning LGBTQ+ ‘panic defense’ 

H.128, an act relating to limiting criminal defenses based on victim identity, colloquially referred to as “gay panic,” passed in the Vermont Statehouse 144-1 on March 11. The single “Nay” vote came from Rep. Rodney Graham (R-Orange-1), of Williamstown.

The bill was introduced by Rep. Mari Codes and Rep. Taylor Small, and co-sponsored by 24 other members.

“After passing out of my committee on an 11-0 vote, the Vermont House gave overwhelming approval this week, 144-1, to H.128, banning the LGBTQ+ ‘panic defense,’” Rep. Maxine Grad, (D-Washington-7) said, celebrating the victory on Twitter.

The bill moved to the Vemont Senate on March 12, but it is not yet announced when the vote will occur.