IL SB1761

Prohibits discovery, knowledge, or disclosure of a victim's sexual orientation from qualifying as a mitigating factor in first degree murder cases or as serious provocation in second degree murder cases.

Amends Section 9-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 to specify that sexual orientation cannot be used to reduce culpability or support death penalty mitigation arguments.

Amends Section 9-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012 to clarify that sexual orientation cannot constitute serious provocation justifying a reduction from first degree to second degree murder.

Applies to both capital sentencing hearings and non-capital murder prosecutions where sexual orientation of the victim might otherwise be presented as a mitigating circumstance.