Is a gay-panic defense : valid in a criminal trial?

“No. It’s stupid. I don’t think gay panic should ever be used as an excuse. That doesn’t justify a crime. It shouldn’t be brought up as an issue.”

“No, I don’t think somebody should be allowed to use homophobia as a defense. It stigmatizes gays. If a threat took place, that [threat] can be used as evidence — without going into the sexual orientation of the person who allegedly made the threat.”

“No. It makes no sense. You’re allowed to hit on people without worrying about being murdered. It’s a bullshit defense that doesn’t merit spending any time or money on.”

“No. You can’t use the victim’s status as an excuse for your crime. To allow that in a courtroom would dignify hate. If you’re able to use that defense, then anything could be used — no matter how frivolous. That’s going down a slippery slope.”