via AIDS United
HIV IS NOT A CRIME
Over half of states criminalize people living with HIV using laws based on inaccurate depictions of HIV risks and transmission routes. For example, some state laws still consider spitting or scratching as a potential HIV exposure even though HIV cannot be transmitted by either. Other states have put people behind bars for allegedly not disclosing their own HIV-status. These laws contradict public health goals by stigmatizing people living with HIV, minimize individual responsibility for protecting oneself from HIV infection, discourage testing and open conversation, and keep people from the care and supportive services they need.
While state laws need to change, federal legislation can encourage a closer review of the impact of these laws. Encourage your Members of Congress to get up to speed on how HIV criminalization laws are being used to needlessly discriminate against people living with HIV and to learn more about the HIV REPEAL Act. Let your Members of Congress know you want them to ensure they or their staff participate in a briefing on HIV criminalization sponsored by AIDS United, NASTAD, and the Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus!
We've made it easy for you, click the link, fill the form, edit the note if you want, and your elected officials will hear directly from you on this important issue.
