US: Lawmakers support bill to update HIV transmission charges in North Dakota

North Dakota House votes to repeal ‘discriminatory’ HIV law

With a 50-43 vote, the House passed a bill to downgrade the crime of intentional HIV transmission from a felony to a misdemeanor, aligning the charge with other intentional disease transmission.

The criminal charge associated with knowingly infecting someone with HIV could change in North Dakota after lawmakers voted Wednesday, Feb. 19, to downgrade the crime from a felony charge to a misdemeanor.

According to state law, HIV is the only infectious disease that carries a felony charge if it is knowingly transmitted to another person.

Those found guilty of doing so face 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine, while knowingly infecting someone with any other sexually transmitted disease is punishable by a fine up to $1,000.

House Bill 1217 would move the penalty for spreading HIV to the same misdemeanor class as other sexually transmitted diseases.

Bill sponsor Gretchen Dobervich, D-Fargo, said in a House Human Services hearing on the bill that the existing law, which was enacted in the 1980s, is discriminatory against people with HIV.

Dobervich added that in 35 years of the law being in effect, no one has been prosecuted.

“There has been a lot of discussion on this bill, and one of the things that keeps coming up is that HIV can be terminal. And it can — so can a lot of other infectious diseases,” she said. “This bill reflects the tremendous body of evidence that modernizing HIV laws decreases the risk of HIV, as people who are at risk of HIV are more likely to seek testing.”

There was no further discussion on the House floor before lawmakers passed the bill with a 50-43 vote, sending it to the Senate for consideration.

The state Department of Health and Human Services, American Civil Liberties Union and representatives of two health care clinics voiced support for the bill in its hearing. There was no opposing testimony.

Mexico: Criminalisation of HIV in Tamaulipas has a negative impact on public health

Danger of contagion: Tamaulipas criminalizes people with HIV

Translated with Deepl.com – Scroll down for original article in Spanish

The offence that penalises HIV carriers who have sexual contact with others is still in force. Morena has not supported the initiative to repeal it presented by deputy Magaly Deandar.

Tamaulipas criminalises and stigmatises people with HIV or any other disease considered ‘contagious’, ‘incurable’ or a ‘bad gene’. The offence of risk of transmission, a measure that punishes the risk of spreading a virus with imprisonment, is still in force.

The Penal Code of Tamaulipas maintains this offence with penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison. In twenty-five other states in Mexico, the penalties include the impediment to marry, denial of custody of one’s children and financial fines.

State law stipulates that a person who knowingly carries a venereal disease or HIV in an infectious period and who puts another person at risk of infection through sexual relations commits the offence of danger of contagion. In the case of spouses or cohabiting partners, the offence only proceeds if the offended party files a complaint.

In particular, article 203 of the Penal Code of Tamaulipas punishes HIV carriers. In a large part of the country, the ‘danger of contagion’ sanctions other sexually transmitted diseases.

Criminalisation encourages discrimination

According to the Mexican Network of Organisations against the Criminalisation of HIV, the criminalisation of the ‘risk of HIV transmission’ or similar concepts that appear in the legislation of the federal states generate more harm than benefits in terms of impact on public health.

This criminalisation undermines respect for and guarantees of human rights by promoting fear, stigma and discrimination, reinforcing the idea that people living with HIV or AIDS are criminals, dangerous and immoral.

The organisation points to the criminalisation of HIV patients, turning carriers into both victim and perpetrator. Focusing efforts on judging and punishing rather than promoting the prevention of contagion.

Tamaulipas seeks to decriminalise the danger of contagion

In 2022, deputy Magaly Deandar Robinson presented an initiative to repeal Article 203 in the Tamaulipas Congress. The Morenista argued that this measure violates human rights rather than recognising the institutional vacuum on the part of the public health service.

‘More than a question of laws, it is a question of human rights. That is how it should be for everyone,’ the legislator for Reynosa explained in an interview for Elefante Blanco,

Despite international recommendations from organisations such as the United Nations (UN), this proposal was rejected by the Morena majority. However, Deandar Robinson emphasised, the state congress could take it up for a second time in the next three months.

Magaly Deandar recognised that although this illicit act sought to stop the HIV pandemic, it ended up criminalising and making it difficult for people and carriers to approach specialised care centres.

‘It is the perfect time to reactivate the government to carry out HIV prevention tasks,’ she added.

In 2024, Mexico City, Nayarit, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí and Tabasco removed the danger of contagion from their penal codes.

Peligro de contagio: Tamaulipas criminaliza a personas con VIH

El delito que sanciona a las personas portadoras de VIH que tienen contacto sexual con otras sigue vigente. Morena no ha acompañado la iniciativa para derogarlo presentada por la diputada Magaly Deandar.

Tamaulipas criminaliza y estigmatiza a personas con VIH o alguna otra enfermedad considerada «contagiosa», «incurable» o un «mal venero». El delito de peligro de contagio, medida que castiga con cárcel el riesgo de propagación de un virus, sigue vigente.

El Código Penal de Tamaulipas mantiene este ilícito con penas que van de los seis meses a tres años de prisión. En otros veinticinco estados de México, las penas incluyen el impedimento para casarse, negar la custodia de sus hijos y multas económicas.

La ley estatal estipula que comete peligro de contagio la persona con conocimiento de ser portador de un mal venéreo o VIH en periodo infectante y que pone en riesgo de contagio a otra mediante relaciones sexuales. En el caso de cónyuges o concubinos, el delito procede únicamente si él o la agraviada lo denuncia.

De manera particular, el articulo 203 del Código Penal de Tamaulipas castiga a portadores de VIH. En gran parte del territorio nacional, el “peligro de contagio” sanciona otras enfermedades de transmisión sexual.

Criminalización fomenta la discriminación

De acuerdo con la Red Mexicana de Organizaciones contra la Criminalización del VIH, la penalización del “riesgo de contagio del VIH” o figuras análogas que aparezcan en las legislaciones de las entidades federativas generan más daños que beneficios en términos de impacto en la salud pública.

Esta penalización atenta contra el respeto y garantía de los derechos humanos al promover el miedo, el estigma y la discriminación, fortaleciendo la idea de que quien vive con VIH o SIDA es criminal, peligroso e inmoral.

Dicha organización señala la criminalización de la que son víctimas los pacientes con VIH al convertir al portador en víctima y victimario. Centrando los esfuerzos en juzgar y castigar en lugar de fomentar la prevención del contagio.

Tamaulipas busca despenalizar el peligro de contagio

En 2022, la diputada Magaly Deandar Robinson presentó una iniciativa para derogar dicho el artículo 203 en el Congreso de Tamaulipas. La morenista argumentó que esta medida vulnera los derechos humanos antes que reconocer el vacío institucional por parte del servicio de salud publica.

“Más que un tema de leyes, es un tema de derechos humanos. Así debería de ser para todos”, explicó la legisladora por Reynosa en entrevista para Elefante Blanco,

Pese a las recomendaciones internacionales por organismos como la Organización de las Naciones Unidas (ONU), esta propuesta fue rechazada por la mayoría de Morena. Sin embargo, enfatizó Deandar Robinson, el Congreso estatal podría retomarla por segunda ocasión en los próximos tres meses.

Magaly Deandar reconoció que aunque esta ilícito buscó frenar la pandemia por VIH, terminó por criminalizar y dificultar el acercamiento de las personas y portadores a los centro de atención especializados.

“Es el tiempo perfecto para reactivar al gobierno para realizar tareas de prevención contra el VIH”, agregó.

En 2024, Ciudad de México, Nayarit, Jalisco, Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí y Tabasco retiraron el peligro de contagio de sus códigos penales.

 

US: Senator introduces bill to decriminalise HIV in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania bill calls for decriminalization of HIV

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A member of the Senate announced plans to introduce legislation that would decriminalize HIV in the Commonwealth.

The bill, authored by Senator Vincent Hughes (D – Montgomery, Philadelphia), would end criminal penalties based on someone having the HIV virus. Hughes argued that in Pennsylvania, people living with HIV have been prosecuted under laws for conduct that would not be seen as a crime because of the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published information regarding risk factors involved with HIV transmission, which worked to dispel the myth that HIV can be transmitted through saliva. Hughes noted that the CDC’s work shows that activities like oral sex or spitting present a low or negligible risk of HIV transmission.

Within the published works, the CDC also noted that condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are effective in preventing the transmission of HIV.

In Pennsylvania prostitution is typically a misdemeanor, however, people living with HIV who are charged can face felonies as well, even if the transmission would not be possible because either no physical contact occurred or the nature of the contact was not a method of transmission. Criminalization laws for HIV do not reflect the science around prevention, transmission and treatment but instead stigmatize people living with the virus, Hughes noted in his legislation.

The Commonwealth could also face legal challenges if laws on discrimination, with Hughes noting that in 2023 the Department of Justice issued findings that Tennessee is violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by enforcing its aggravated prostitution law.

In 2023, a presumed 36,302 Pennsylvania residents were living with HIV. The overall HIV rate in the Commonwealth in 2022 was 7.2 per 100,000 population, with counties like Berks, Dauphin, Delaware, Lackawanna, Lehigh and Philadelphia seeing an increase. Philadelphia was noted to have the highest rate of 25 per 100,000 population.

From 2018 through 2023, 49,620 men were recorded to have characteristics of HIV which led to a diagnosis, with women accounting for 15,979 diagnoses. There were 229 late diagnoses in 2023, however, over 600 people were diagnosed on time or early.

US: New report from the Williams Institute on the enforcement of Indiana’s HIV-related body fluid laws

US: Enforcement of HIV Criminalization in Indiana: Body Fluid/Waste Enhancement Laws

Using data obtained from the Indiana Office of Court Services, online court-tracking tools, and Probable Cause Affidavits, this study examines the enforcement of Indiana’s HIV-related body fluid laws.

Overview

The Williams Institute examined arrest and court records from Indiana regarding people living with HIV (PLWH) who were prosecuted for an alleged HIV-related body fluid exposure crime. Indiana has six laws criminalizing PLWH spanning both the criminal and health codes. This report—one in a series examining HIV criminalization in Indiana—analyzes the enforcement of HIV-related body fluid/ waste penalty enhancements between 2012 and 2023.1 Almost all charges under these two statutes involved bodily fluids (such as saliva and urine) and conduct (such as spitting and coughing) that do not transmit HIV. None of the charges involved an allegation that HIV was actually transmitted.

  • IC § 35-42-2-1(c2)(f)(h), Battery by Bodily Fluid or Waste, creates penalty enhancement when a person, knowingly or intentionally, “in a rude, insolent or angry manner places any bodily fluid or waste on another person” and the “person knew or recklessly failed to know that the fluid or bodily waste was infected” with HIV.
    • The base misdemeanor becomes a Felony 6 if the person accused is living with HIV. If the victim is a “public safety official,” the base Felony 6 penalty increases to a Felony 5.
  • IC § 35-45-16-2(c-f), Malicious Mischief by Body Fluid or Waste, creates a penalty enhancement when a person causes another involuntarily to come into contact with or ingest a body fluid or waste and “the person knew or recklessly failed to know that the body fluid or fecal waste is infected with” HIV.
    • The base misdemeanor becomes a Felony 6 if the person accused is living with HIV. If transmission occurs, it further increases to a Felony 4.

In Indiana, a Felony 6 conviction can result in incarceration for up to 2.5 years. A Felony 5 conviction can result in incarceration for up to 6 years, and a Felony 4 conviction can result in incarceration for up to 12 years.

Key Findings

  • We identified 42 unique people across 51 unique cases who were charged under the two body fluid/waste HIV penalty enhancements between 2012 and 2023. In each battery case, the PLWH was charged with a penalty enhancement for behaviors that pose no transmission risk.
    • No cases under either law involved allegations of or charges for HIV transmission.

Battery by Bodily Fluid or Waste

  • In all, there were 41 cases involving 38 PLWH charged with an HIV-related battery by bodily fluid or waste crime. Of those, about half (49%) involved the public safety official HIV penalty enhancement.
  • None of the cases reviewed alleged actual HIV transmission or conduct that can transmit HIV.
    • In all, 82% of the alleged acts solely involved exposure to saliva, mainly through spitting. Saliva exposure is not an HIV transmission route. Urine exposure occurred in 3% of the incidents. Urine exposure is not an HIV transmission route.
    • Only 15% of cases involved exposure to blood. However, HIV is not transmitted by blood via the acts described in the cases reviewed (for example, spitting saliva mixed with blood at someone).
  • Enforcement increased over time, from 2.7 cases per year between 2012 and 2018 to 4.4 per year between 2019 and 2023.
  • About four in five (81%) of people charged were men.
  • White people were 64% of people charged, although they accounted for only 45% of the state’s population of PLWH. Likewise, white men were overrepresented, accounting for about half (51%) of all people accused of an HIV-related battery by bodily fluid crime, although they made up only 38% of the state’s population of PLWH.
  • Cases were highly concentrated in 17 of Indiana’s 92 counties, with about a third (31%) of cases occurring in Marion County—home to Indianapolis, the state capital and largest city.
  • Most alleged crimes took place in private residences (29%), public spaces (27%), hospitals (24%), and jails or prisons (15%).
  • In more than one in five (22%) cases, victims were advised to undergo HIV testing or post-exposure treatment even though none of the cases analyzed in this report alleged conduct that can transmit HIV.
  • Many cases indicated a period of heightened tension prior to alleged exposure:
    • Just over half (54%) of cases reviewed involved officer use of force prior to the alleged exposure incident.
    • Just under half (46%) of the cases described the person accused as apparently experiencing acute mental distress, intoxication, or both.
  • Nearly all (93%) people accused were found indigent by the courts and assigned a public defender.
  • Among the cases for which we have final outcomes, about four in ten (42%) had all charges dismissed.
  • In all, 17 cases led to a conviction on at least one HIV-related battery by bodily fluid charge; of those, 41% also included a public safety official enhancement. All convictions came from plea agreements. None of these cases proceeded to trial.
    • HIV-related convictions disproportionately resulted in incarceration in the Indiana Department of Corrections (72%), compared to just 32% for other non-HIV-related offenses connected to the analyzed cases.
    • HIV-related offenses resulted in significantly longer sentences, averaging 2.3 years, compared to 1.2 years for other offenses. Sentences for battery by bodily fluid/waste HIV offenses with public safety official enhancements averaged 3.1 years, more than double the 1.5-year average for those without enhancements.

Malicious Mischief

  • Only four people, involving 10 cases, were charged under malicious mischief enhancement. Many (eight in total) of these may have been inappropriate applications of the law—they involved conduct not intended to be covered by the law.
    • Two of the four people (eight cases) involved a person living with HIV allegedly failing to disclose their HIV status to an intimate partner. All eight resulted in convictions. The other two cases involved a person throwing a towel with urine and a person coughing; both were dismissed.
  • None of these cases involved charges for or allegations of HIV transmission.

Indiana’s HIV-related body fluid/waste exposure laws continue to punish PLWH more severely. None of the cases reviewed alleged actual HIV transmission. All the battery by bodily fluid cases describe conduct that does not transmit HIV, such as spitting or biting. The handful of malicious mischief cases that alleged conduct capable of HIV transmission appeared to be a misapplication of the law. None of these alleged HIV transmission either. Indeed, neither of Indiana’s HIV-related bodily fluid exposure laws contemplate behaviors that can normally transmit HIV. Rather, the laws appear to single PLWH out for harsher punishment merely because of their HIV status.

Download the full report

Mexico: Initiative to repeal of HIV criminalisation article in Federal Criminal Code sent to Justice Commission

Proposal to remove the crime of “danger of contagion” from the Federal Penal Code

Translated from Spanish with Deepl.com. Scroll down for original article.

In order not to undermine human rights and avoid the discrimination faced by people living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), Congresswoman Laura Hernández García (MC) proposed repealing article 199 bis of the Federal Criminal Code, which refers to the crime of ‘danger of contagion’.

The article to be repealed establishes that anyone who, knowing that he or she is ill with a venereal disease or other serious disease during an infectious period, endangers the health of another by sexual intercourse or any other transmissible means, will be punished with three days to three years in prison and up to forty days in fines.

In addition, if the disease is incurable, it will be punishable by six months to five years in prison, and in the case of spouses, concubines or common-law wives, it will only be possible to proceed by complaint of the offended party.

The initiative, sent to the Justice Commission, considers that this decriminalisation contributes to eliminating barriers that limit the prevention and timely detection of the virus. It also strengthens public policy measures that contribute to combating the HIV pandemic within the framework of public health.

It states that HIV is a public health and human rights problem that, as of 2023, affects 39.9 million people around the world, who, due to stigma and discrimination, see their human rights violated and face barriers to exercising their rights and accessing health services that allow them adequate treatment.

These barriers, it stressed, signify institutional violence, which is why it is necessary to repeal article 199 Bis of the Federal Criminal Code, as the crime of danger of contagion ‘cannot remain in force’.

It called for building a new perspective on HIV, AIDS and people living with the condition, with a culture based on information that promotes non-discrimination, equal treatment, prevention and testing.

It explains that of the 33 penal codes that operate in Mexico, 27 provide for the crime of danger of contagion, which is often used against people with HIV, so this proposal is a first step to repeal it in the states where it still exists.

It points out that punitivism and criminalisation have different consequences for people living with HIV, such as loss of employment or housing, being forced to live in isolation from their families and society, as well as being subjected to physical violence.

It places HIV-positive people – especially women – at greater risk of violence and abuse, and ignores the reality that some may lack the capacity to disclose their HIV status or may not be able to negotiate condom use with their partner.

It adds that such criminalisation restricts the institutional public health response to HIV, as it results in fewer people attending health services for testing to avoid being exposed, diagnosed or punished, which does not help them, if necessary, to start treatment or share their diagnosis.

The disease affects not only those living with the virus, but also their families and those in their social environment. This is why there must be no criminal offence that violates their human rights and their access to health services.

The perspective of the response to the virus must focus on public health, not punitivism, the proposal emphasises.

Con el propósito de no socavar los derechos humanos y evitar la discriminación que enfrentan las personas que viven con VIH (Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana) y Sida (Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida), la diputada Laura Hernández García (MC) planteó derogar el artículo 199 bis del Código Penal Federal, que se refiere al delito de “peligro de contagio”.

El artículo que se pretende derogar establece que el que a sabiendas de que está enfermo de un mal venéreo u otra enfermedad grave en período infectante, ponga en peligro de contagio la salud de otro, por relaciones sexuales u otro medio transmisible, será sancionado de tres días a tres años de prisión y hasta cuarenta días de multa.

Además, si la enfermedad fuera incurable será de seis meses a cinco años de prisión, y cuando se trate de cónyuges, concubinarios o concubinas, sólo podrá procederse por querella del ofendido.

La iniciativa, enviada a la Comisión de Justicia, considera que esta descriminalización contribuye a eliminar barreras que limitan la prevención y detección oportuna del virus. Además, fortalece las medidas de política pública que abonan al combate de la pandemia del VIH en el marco de la salud pública.

Expresa que el VIH constituye un problema de salud pública y de derechos humanos que, a 2023, afectaba a 39.9 millones de personas alrededor del mundo, y quienes, debido al estigma y discriminación, ven violentados sus derechos humanos y enfrentan barreras para ejercer sus derechos y acceder a servicios de salud que les permitan un tratamiento adecuado.

Esas barreras, destaca, significan violencia institucional, por lo que es necesario derogar el artículo 199 Bis del Código Penal Federal, pues el delito por peligro de contagio “no puede seguir vigente”.

Se pronunció por construir una nueva perspectiva en torno al VIH, el Sida y las personas que viven con esta condición, con una cultura basada en la información que fomente la no discriminación, el trato igualitario, la prevención y la realización de pruebas.

Explica que de los 33 códigos penales que operan en México, 27 prevén el delito de peligro de contagio, que suele usarse contra personas con VIH, por lo que esta propuesta es un primer paso para que se derogue en los estados donde aún existe.

Refiere que el punitivismo y la criminalización tienen diferentes consecuencias para las personas que viven con VIH, como la pérdida del empleo o la vivienda, que se les orille a vivir aisladas de sus familias y de la sociedad, así como ser objeto de violencia física.

Coloca a las personas seropositivas –en especial a las mujeres– en una situación de mayor riesgo de violencia y abusos, e ignora la realidad de que es posible que algunas carezcan de la capacidad para revelar su estado serológico o no están en condiciones de negociar con su pareja el uso de preservativo.

Agrega que esa criminalización restringe la respuesta institucional al VIH en materia de salud pública, pues provoca que menos personas acudan a servicios de salud a realizarse pruebas de detección para evitar ser visibilizadas, diagnosticadas o castigadas, lo cual no ayuda a que, en caso necesario, inicien el tratamiento o compartan su diagnóstico.

La enfermedad no sólo afecta a quien vive con el virus; también a sus familias y a quienes forman parte de su entorno social. Por eso es necesario que no exista ninguna figura penal que vulnere sus derechos humanos y su acceso a servicios de salud.

La perspectiva de la respuesta al virus debe enfocarse en la salud pública, no en el punitivismo, enfatiza.

2024 in review: Progress amid challenges

As the world grappled with shifting political landscapes and evolving public health priorities, the fight against HIV criminalisation remained a critical, yet often overlooked, human rights issue. The HIV Justice Network and our HIV JUSTICE WORLDWIDE coalition partners navigated a year of both challenges and progress, underscoring the ongoing need for vigilance and advocacy in the face of unjust HIV-related laws and practices.

Rising Case Numbers and Persistent Challenges

In 2024, reported HIV criminalisation cases rose to 65, compared with 57 in 2023 and 50 in 2022. While these numbers remain lower than the 119 cases prior to COVID in 2019, they highlight a troubling upward trend. Cases were documented across 20 countries, with Russia and the United States leading at 26 and 11 cases, respectively. Other notable contributors included Spain (3), Argentina (2), Belarus (2), Senegal (2), and Singapore (2).

In Panama, a 14-year prison sentence for alleged HIV transmission marked the country’s first reported case. Uruguay also saw its first case, where spitting was classified as an ‘assault on health,’ despite no risk of transmission.

These figures only scratch the surface, as media-reported cases represent a fraction of the actual global burden. Civil society organisations uncovered hundreds of previously unreported cases, particularly in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, while the Williams Institute’s research in the U.S. revealed hundreds more, including detailed analyses in Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and Ohio.

High-Profile Cases and Intersectional Injustices

Several cases drew international attention in 2024, shedding light on the intersectional injustices of HIV criminalisation.

In Qatar, a British-Mexican national’s arrest after a Grindr sting operation also emphasised the perilous intersection of HIV status, gay identity, and discriminatory laws. Following a public campaign and diplomatic efforts, the individual was released and allowed to leave the country. Similarly, Senegal reported two cases stemming from police raids on LGBTQ individuals, further highlighting how HIV criminalisation disproportionately affects other criminalised and marginalised groups.

A particularly concerning case in South Africa resulted in a life sentence plus ten years for a soldier accused of HIV transmission and non-disclosure. The verdict reflected outdated views equating HIV to a death sentence and reinforced harmful legal interpretations equating HIV non-disclosure with rape. Previously only Canada had framed HIV non-disclosure in this way, and this framing has been roundly criticised by HIV and human rights groups in the country and rejected by Canada’s Justice Committee.

Legal Reforms: Progress and Setbacks

Efforts to modernise or repeal unjust HIV laws gained ground in 2024, with notable victories including:

  • Mexico: Repeal of ‘danger of contagion’ laws in Colima and Mexico City.
  • Tennessee, U.S.: Elimination of mandatory sex offender registration for ‘aggravated prostitution’.
  • Singapore: Introduction of an undetectable viral load defence in HIV exposure laws.

In Uganda, the Constitutional Court struck down the death penalty provision in the Anti-Homosexuality Act 2023, but upheld other regressive aspects, highlighting the mixed fortunes of legal challenges in hostile environments.

There was also disappointing news from Canada, where a federal review of its legal approach to HIV non-disclosure was abandoned, despite tireless advocacy efforts. Other retrogressive moves included Guinea’s harsher penalties for ‘intentional HIV transmission’, Tennessee’s expansion of aggravated rape provisions to include people living with HIV, and reports from China that the municipality of Chongqing was revising laws concerning STI transmission as part of a broader crackdown on HIV.

Policy Developments and Advocacy Wins

Policy shifts in 2024 reflected growing recognition of human rights in public health.

In Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Health reduced the number of prohibited professions, including hairdressing, for people living with HIV.

In the U.S., once the global leader in HIV criminalisation, significant legal and policy improvements continue to be secured. Updated guidelines allowed parents living with HIV to breastfeed, while increased transparency on molecular HIV surveillance marked a small but critical step forward. Nevertheless, unscientific prosecutions were still seen in the U.S. in 2024: conduct that carries little to no risk of transmission was criminalised, including spitting, throwing blood, and sex with an undetectable viral load.

Dedicated advocacy also prevented new criminalisation laws in Uganda and Zimbabwe, the latter rejecting an attempt to reinstate a repealed law criminalising HIV transmission. These successes underscore the power of collective action in resisting harmful legislation.

Courts Upholding Justice

Courts in several countries provided a beacon of hope by rejecting unjust prosecutions:

  • Kenya: A court threw out a baseless charge of deliberate HIV transmission against a domestic worker accused of spitting in food.
  • Italy: A man was acquitted due to a ‘very low viral load’, with the court recognising the negligible transmission risk.
  • Greece: The European Court of Human Rights ruled that the forced testing and public shaming of sex workers violated their rights, setting a vital precedent.

The Road Ahead

Despite these wins, the persistence of HIV criminalisation laws and prosecutions and their disproportionate impact on marginalised communities serve as a sobering reminder of the work still required. As we move into 2025, facing an ever-emboldened anti-rights movement, we remain committed to challenging unjust laws, building power with affected communities, and advocating for evidence-based, rights-affirming approaches.

In a year marked by both setbacks and progress, the global movement against HIV criminalisation demonstrated resilience and resolve. The delicate balance of successes and challenges reminds us that vigilance, advocacy, and solidarity are more crucial than ever in our fight for justice and equality.

US: HIV law reform tops advocates agenda for 2025 legislative session in Maryland

HIV decriminalization bill is FreeState Justice’s top 2025 legislative priority

A bill that would decriminalize HIV in Maryland is a top legislative priority for FreeState Justice in 2025.

FreeState Justice Community Advocacy Manager Ronnie Taylor told the Washington Blade on Wednesday the Carlton R. Smith Jr. HIV Modernization Act seeks to repeal “outdated and stigmatizing laws that criminalize the transfer of HIV, bringing Maryland’s public health laws in line with modern science and best practices.”

The bill is named after Carlton Smith, a long-time LGBTQ activist known as the “mayor” of Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood who died last May. A similar measure died in the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee in 2024.

“The bill emphasizes public health education, anti-discrimination measures, and access to care, ensuring those living with HIV are supported rather than penalized,” said Taylor.

Taylor pointed out FreeState Justice is working with the Maryland Legislative LGBTQIA+ Caucus and the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs to build support for four additional bills and policy objectives.

• The Birth Certificate Modernization Act would “streamline the process for amending gender markers on birth certificates to make it more accessible and affirming.”

• The Commission on History, Culture and Civics would create “an inclusive commission to center marginalized voices in Maryland’s history, culture, and civics education.”

• The implementation of “inclusive and diverse English Language Arts Standards” in public schools that would ensure “curricula reflect diverse identities and lived experiences, fostering a more inclusive learning environment for students.”

• The creation of a “comprehensive health education framework” that would establish “a robust and inclusive health education framework for primary and secondary schools, focusing on equity and affirming all students.”

Taylor noted FreeState Justice is also “exploring ways to support” Compassion and Choices, a group that advocates for assisted dying, in their efforts in support of the Honorable Elijah E. Cummings End of Life Option Act.

“The act has profound historical significance for LGBTQIA+ communities, as end-of-life options were first championed during the HIV/AIDS epidemic of the 1990s, highlighting the importance of dignity and choice,” said Taylor.

She added the “legislative efforts reflect FreeState Justice’s commitment to advancing equity and dignity for LGBTQIA+ Marylanders through policy advocacy and community collaboration.”

Mexico: Advocacy organisation calls for the repeal of HIV criminalisation law in Tabasco

Tudyssex seeks to eliminate laws that criminalize people with HIV

Translated from Spanish with Google Translate; scroll down for original article.

The president of Tabasqueños Unidos por la Diversidad y la Salud Sexual (Tudyssex), José Cruz Guzmán Matías, said that they are preparing a proposal to eliminate the legal provisions that criminalize people living with HIV, for having sexual relations without a condom, describing them as discriminatory and obsolete.

Cruz Guzmán pointed out that the state’s Criminal Code contemplates penalties of up to six years in prison and fines for those who, living with communicable infections, are denounced for having unprotected sex.

The activist recalled that, a person with HIV who has adequate control with antiretroviral drugs, achieves that the virus is not only undetectable, but non-transmissible, so that he can lead a normal life, without risk of infecting others.

“The Penal Code includes an article dating back to 1940, when syphilis was the most feared disease. Today we know that HIV, with the appropriate treatment, does not represent a risk of transmission in these conditions. That’s why we ask for its elimination,” he explained.

In addition to the penalty, he also denounced civil rights limitations faced by people with HIV, such as the requirement to undergo medical tests before civil marriage.

According to the leader of Tudyssex, this measure can be used to deny marriage to HIV-positive people, despite the fact that both parties are informed and agree.

Busca Tudyssex que se eliminen leyes que criminalizan a personas con VIH

El presidente de Tabasqueños Unidos por la Diversidad y la Salud Sexual (Tudyssex), José Cruz Guzmán Matías, señaló que preparan una propuesta para eliminar las disposiciones legales que criminalizan a las personas que viven con VIH, por mantener relaciones sexuales sin condón, calificándolas de discriminatorias y obsoletas.

Cruz Guzmán señaló que el Código Penal del estado contempla penas de hasta seis años de prisión y multas para quienes, viviendo con infecciones transmisibles, sean denunciados por tener relaciones sexuales sin protección.

El activista recordó que, una persona con VIH que lleva un control adecuado con medicamentos antirretrovirales, logra que el virus sea no solo indetectable, sino intransmisible, por lo que puede llevar una vida normal, sin riesgo de contagiar a otros.

“El Código Penal incluye un artículo que data de 1940, cuando la sífilis era la enfermedad más temida. Hoy sabemos que el VIH, con el tratamiento adecuado, no representa un riesgo de transmisión en estas condiciones. Por eso pedimos su eliminación”, explicó.

Además de la penalización, también denunció las limitaciones en derechos civiles que enfrentan las personas con VIH, como el requisito de realizarse pruebas médicas antes del matrimonio civil.

 

 

Introducing Positive Destinations:
Information and Advocacy on Travelling
and Relocating with HIV

Today, on International Migrants Day, the HIV Justice Network is thrilled to announce the relaunch of The Global Database on HIV-specific Travel and Residence Restrictions (HIVtravel.org) under a new name: Positive Destinations (www.positivedestinations.info). This rebranding reflects a bold vision for the future — empowering people living with HIV through accessible information, advocacy, and resources to promote freedom of movement and challenge stigma worldwide.

Positive Destinations represents hope, progress, and the belief that every journey should be free of archaic barriers and unjust discrimination. This enhanced platform provides up-to-date, accurate information on restrictions affecting people living with HIV who want to travel, relocate or migrate, and serves as a vital advocacy portal to push for the removal of discriminatory laws, policies and practices.

“This rebrand to Positive Destinations reflects our commitment to a world where people living with HIV, in all our diversities, can enjoy our human rights and live in dignity, without fear of unjust criminalisation, regulation or control,” said HIV Justice Network’s Executive Director, Edwin J Bernard. “With this platform, we aim to amplify the voices of those most affected and build a movement that challenges and changes unjust, unscientific policies. Travel or relocation for love, work, family or pleasure should be available to everyone, regardless of HIV status, and we are dedicated to ensuring that every destination is a truly positive destination for all.”

Why the change?

HIVtravel.org has been a trusted resource for more than two decades. The name Positive Destinations better reflects its mission to provide expanded information and tools to promote freedom of movement and uphold human rights, paving the way for a world where people living with HIV can explore, connect, and thrive without prejudice.

  • Expanding our vision: Positive Destinations goes beyond providing entry, stay and residence restrictions information to also covering information on access to HIV services for non-nationals.
  • Accessible advocacy tools: The platform equips users with news and resources to challenge unjust restrictions.
  • Community-focused: It highlights stories of successful advocacy and personal testimonies of lived experience to foster understanding and solidarity.

What’s new on Positive Destinations?

  1. Redesigned website: A completely redesigned user-friendly interface – optimised for mobile phones – that makes accessing critical travel and treatment access information seamless.
  2. Latest news: News stories about advocacy or information relating to HIV-related travel or migration curated from reliable sources around the world.
  3. Advocacy resources: Practical tools for individuals and organisations to advocate for change.
  4. Links to local organisations: Where available we link to organisations in-country that can help migrants with HIV to access services.
  5. Global perspectives: Personal stories highlighting the challenges and triumphs of navigating the world as people living with HIV in all our diversities.

Visit the new platform at www.positivedestinations.info.

About the HIV Justice Network

The HIV Justice Network (HJN) is the leading community-based NGO building a co-ordinated, effective global response to punitive laws and policies that impact people living with HIV in all our diversities. In 2024, HJN took over the running of the hivtravel.org website, rebranding it as Positive Destinations.

Acknowledgments

This project has been made possible with the provision of a financial grant from Gilead Sciences Europe Ltd.

We acknowledge previous funders and contributors to The Global Database on HIV-specific Travel and Residence Restrictions (hivtravel.org) including Deutsche Aidshilfe, European AIDS Treatment Group (EATG), the International AIDS Society (IAS), Positive Council (Switzerland). We would especially like to thank the original authors David Haerry and Peter Wiessner.

Mexico: Bill proposes new HIV/STI prevention law in Chihuahua and Criminal Code reform

Proposed Law on Prevention and Care of HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections

Translated with Deepl.com; Scroll down for original article in Spanish.

Congresswoman Argüelles presented a legislative proposal to Congress.

Given the need to raise awareness and treat these diseases in a comprehensive way in the entity, the deputy for Morena, Jael Argüelles Díaz, presented to the State Congress the proposal for the issuance of the Law on Prevention and Care of HIV / AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections for the State of Chihuahua.

This law is projected to contemplate at least five chapters through which the objectives are established, the instances that will be involved and the formation of the State Council in order to follow it up.

The purposes included by the deputy in the drafting of this law include the establishment of the principles and criteria that guide public policies in the field of prevention and comprehensive care of HIV/AIDS and other STIs in the state.

It also seeks to establish the necessary conditions for the implementation of strategies on prevention and care for people affected by sexually transmitted infections.

In the same way, he proposed that the Criminal Code of the State eliminate the crime of “danger of contagion” that is established in relation to people who suffer from any of these diseases mentioned.

“Putting an end to AIDS means reaching all those affected by HIV, especially vulnerable populations,” emphasized the legislator in her explanatory statement, who regretted that to date millions of people continue to be left behind, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups.

He recalled in turn that infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a viral disorder that progressively destroys certain white blood cells and is treated with antiretroviral drugs. If not treated, it can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) that is no more than terminal stage HIV.

“Prejudices, stigmas and ignorance continue to play a very important role in our society and this has caused that, today, at the time of diagnosis, between 35 and 40 percent of people living with HIV are already in the AIDS stage,” he said, raising aware of the urgency of implementing prevention actions.

Proponen Ley de Prevención y Atención al VIH/SIDA e Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual

La diputada Argüelles presentó una propuesta legislativa ante el Congreso

Ante la necesidad de concientizar y atender estas enfermedades de una manera integral en la entidad, la diputada por Morena, Jael Argüelles Díaz, presentó ante el Congreso del Estado la propuesta para la expedición de la Ley de Prevención y Atención del VIH/SIDA e Infecciones de Transmisión Sexualpara el Estado de Chihuahua.

Esta ley se proyecta que contemple al menos cinco capítulos a través de los cuales se establecen los objetivos, las instancias que estarán involucradas y la conformación del Consejo Estatal a fin de darle seguimiento.

Dentro de los propósitos que incluye la diputada en la redacción de esta ley se incluyen el establecer los principios y criterios que orienten las políticas públicas en materia de prevención y atención integral del VIH/SIDA y otras ITS en el estado.

También se busca establecer las condiciones necesarias para la implementación de estrategias en materia de prevención y atención a las personas afectadas por las infecciones de transmisión sexual.

De la misma manera, propuso que se elimine el Código Penal del Estado el delito de “peligro de contagio” que se establece con relación a las personas que padecen alguna de estas enfermedades mencionadas.

“Poner fin al SIDA significa llegar a todos los afectados por el VIH, especialmente poblaciones en situación de vulnerabilidad”, enfatizó en su exposición de motivos la legisladora quien lamentó que a la fecha se siga dejando a millones de personas atrás, especialmente a las que pertenecen a grupos vulnerables.

Recordó a su vez que la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) es un trastorno vírico que, progresivamente, destruye ciertos glóbulos blancos y se trata con medicamentos, antirretrovirales. De no tratarse, puede causar síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA) que no es más que el VIH en fase terminal.

“Los prejuicios, los estigmas y la ignorancia siguen jugando un papel muy importante en nuestra sociedad y ello ha provocado que, hoy por hoy, al momento del diagnóstico, entre 35 y 40 por ciento de las personas viviendo con VIH ya están en la etapa de SIDA”, externó al concientizar sobre la urgencia de implementar acciones de prevención.