The bill aims to enhance public safety by limiting the use of force and criminal defenses related to a victim's sexual orientation or identity. It amends several sections of the Minnesota Statutes, specifically section 609.06, to include a new subdivision that explicitly states that force cannot be used against another person based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression. This includes situations where the victim may have made an unwanted romantic or sexual advance or if there was a prior romantic relationship. Additionally, the bill modifies section 609.075 to clarify that acting on such knowledge regarding a victim's sexual orientation is not a valid defense in criminal cases.

Furthermore, the bill amends section 609.20 regarding manslaughter in the first degree, specifying that provocation cannot be claimed if it is based on the discovery of a victim's sexual orientation or related circumstances. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2023, and they will apply to crimes committed on or after that date. Overall, the legislation seeks to protect individuals from violence and discrimination based on their sexual orientation or identity by establishing clear legal boundaries for the use of force and defenses in criminal cases.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 609.06, 609.075, 609.20