During the early years of the HIV epidemic, a number of states implemented HIV-specific criminal exposure laws. These laws impose criminal penalties on living with HIV who know their HIV status and – who potentially expose others to HIV.
Criminalization of Potential Exposure | HIV and the Law | CDC HIV/AIDS
News curated from other sources

New Zealand: New research reveals how HIV criminalisation is experienced in Aotearoa
HIV decriminalisation in Aotearoa: Survey findings
March 15, 2026

Senegal: Same-sex relations, now punishable by five to ten years in prison
Senegal passes law imposing harsher penalties for homosexuality in the name of combating Western influence
March 12, 2026

Senegal: Rising homophobia drives patients away from HIV care and prevention services
Senegal’s LGBTQ+ community lives in fear as fight against AIDS faces setback
March 12, 2026
News by the HIV Justice Network

2025 in review: more reported cases, uneven reform
January 7, 2026




