California Lawmakers Vote to End HIV Criminalization (LA Times)
Read more about FSC's work to end HIV criminalization here.
Read the full article by Patrick McGreevy on LATimes.com
SB 239, which now goes to the governor, was introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who said the current law discriminated against those who have human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, the precursor to AIDS, because exposure to other communicable diseases is a misdemeanor.
The same reduction in crime level would apply to people who donate blood or semen without disclosing that they have tested positive for HIV or AIDS.
“Right now HIV is singled out for uniquely harsh treatment as a felony,” Wiener told his colleagues during the floor debate.
He said some people may choose not to be tested if it makes them liable for a felony should they expose someone they have sex with to HIV.
“These laws do not prevent HIV infections,” Wiener said during the debate. “All they do is stigmatize people living with HIV and reduce access to testing and care.”
“The bill is supported by groups including the American Civil Liberties Union of California, the Black Aids Institute and Equality California, which advocates for the LGBTQ community. "