January 4, 2012
Advocates Support Federal HIV Decriminalization Bill
A coalition of advocacy groups, backed by U.S. Representative Barbara Lee (D–Calif.), has launched a campaign to press for review and repeal of criminal laws that target HIV-positive people, The Associated Press (AP) reports. Currently, 34 states have criminal laws that punish people for exposing another person to HIV, whether or not HIV transmission actually occurred, and laws generally do not consider condom use as a defense. In September 2011, Lee introduced a bill that would provide states with incentives to reform these laws. Some prosecutors say the laws are appropriate in certain cases while activists argue that these laws are based on ignorance and have negative consequences like deterring people from getting tested or getting into care.
To read the AP article, click here.
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