On Wednesday I gave evidence to the Queensland Parliamentary committee examining a Bill that proposed to get rid of gay panic defence.
I supported the approach of the Queensland Law Society, which was to support the change, subject to tightening up a couple of definitions as to exceptional character and minor touching.
In my view the drafting change will make sure that victims of domestic violence were protected, and not accidentally excluded from being able to rely on the defence of provocation to murder when their partner sought to have sex with them without their consent.
Let's hope the Committee is in favour of the Bill, and it can be quickly passed, so that gay panic defence will be something that never raises its ugly head in Queensland again.
I supported the approach of the Queensland Law Society, which was to support the change, subject to tightening up a couple of definitions as to exceptional character and minor touching.
In my view the drafting change will make sure that victims of domestic violence were protected, and not accidentally excluded from being able to rely on the defence of provocation to murder when their partner sought to have sex with them without their consent.
Let's hope the Committee is in favour of the Bill, and it can be quickly passed, so that gay panic defence will be something that never raises its ugly head in Queensland again.
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