A religious or cultural defense in a criminal trial argues that a person should not be punished for an act that violates the law because such actions are legitimate as part of their religion or culture. Cultural defenses have been employed for a wide range of actions, from polygamy to honour killings

Medusa is a Greek mythological figure. Her story revolves around her transformation from a beautiful, devout maiden in the goddess Athena's temple to her being cursed by Athena into becoming an ugly monster who has snakes for hair and a gaze so terrifying it turns people to stone. This curse is a result of Poseidon violating Medusa within Athena's temple. Later Perseus, a 'hero' kills Medusa. On 13th of October 2020, a statue of Medusa holding Perseus's head was erected in front of the New York County criminal court. The statue is meant to be a picture of empowerment for victims of the #MeToo movement.