LexisNexis Joins Forces with LGBTQ+ Bar Association in Anti-Discrimination Efforts

As part of its commitment to the rule of law in the United States and across the globe, LexisNexis has joined forces with the LGBTQ+ Bar Association to bring awareness to critical issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, including the use of the “panic defense” in the prosecution of violent crimes against members of the community.

THE PANIC DEFENSE—THE ASSERTION THAT A VICTIM’S sexual orientation or gender identity excuses a defendant’s violent actions, including murder—has been banned in 15 states—California, Illinois, Rhode Island, New York, New Jersey, Washington, Colorado, Virginia, Vermont, Oregon, Nevada, Connecticut, Maine, Hawaii, and Maryland—and the District of Columbia. The LGBTQ+ Bar Association has undertaken a campaign to ban the practice in all states and to enact federal legislation prohibiting its use.

As part of its commitment to support the work of the LGBTQ+ Bar Association, LexisNexis participated in the organization’s annual Lavender Law Conference & Career Fair, both as a paid sponsor and a presenter at the virtual event, July 28-30. The conference is the largest LGBTQ+ legal conference in the country with approximately 1700 attendees attending annually.

The Lexis presentation emphasized employment law materials, including litigation and transactional tools and other resources from LexisNexis Practical Guidance, for both employees and employers.

Eva Harte, a Practice Area Consultant for LexisNexis Practical Guidance who participated in the presentation, said, “As a prior employment litigator, I strongly support Lavender Law and the momentum it generates around LGBTQ rights. I believe in the celebration of the unique dignity of each human being on this planet. Recent landmark cases interpreting Title VII, especially the 2020 Supreme Court Bostock case, recognize that an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity is protected from sex-based discrimination. I am excited to be able to collaborate with law students and practitioners to continue the march forward to broaden inclusivity and diversity in the workplace and beyond.”

LexisNexis promotes the rule of law around the globe through its Rule of Law Foundation and its daily operations, products, and services; the efforts of its employees; and collaboration with customers, governments, non-profits, and intergovernmental organizations. Information about the LexisNexis Rule of Law Foundation is available at https://www.lexisnexisrolfoundation.org/.

For additional information about the LGBTQ+ Bar Association, visit https://lgbtqbar.org/.