Mexico: Puebla organisations renew call to repeal stigmatising HIV exposure law

In Puebla, civil society organisations are working to revive the initiative aimed at abolishing the legal concept known as ‘risk of transmission’ in relation to HIV, the existence of which contributes to social and workplace stigma against people living with the virus. Roberto Carlos, a representative of the Una Esperanza para tu Vida foundation in Tehuacán, explained that this proposal had already been discussed with legislators before the COVID-19 pandemic halted its progress; the aim now is to resume dialogue and set up working groups with the authorities to move forward with the repeal of this provision.

The representative pointed out that it is essential to strengthen the protection of the rights of those living with HIV, particularly given the challenges they face in retaining employment due to prejudice. “The fear of rejection can lead people to delay testing or avoid seeking medical care, as well as making it difficult to find or keep a job,” he warned.

During a screening campaign for sexually transmitted infections carried out between March and April 2026 in Tehuacán, 14 new cases of HIV were identified. Furthermore, the foundation reports that there are 635 people aged between 14 and 29 living with HIV in that region, a figure that underlines the urgency of stepping up prevention, timely diagnosis and counselling amongst the young population.

Roberto Carlos highlighted the need to make information, testing and support services more accessible, not only in Tehuacán but also in the surrounding communities. This, he said, will facilitate early detection and appropriate care for those living with the virus, in a context where stigma remains a major barrier.

In the face of these challenges, the organisation emphasises the importance of fostering a culture of respect and eliminating the prejudices that limit the exercise of the rights to health, work and personal development. It therefore called on the authorities and legislators to urgently resume the review and repeal of the legal provision that criminalises the ‘risk of HIV transmission’, as well as to strengthen awareness-raising and prevention campaigns in Puebla, where public policies must guarantee dignified treatment free from discrimination for all citizens.

In this context, the debate in Puebla is in line with similar developments in other parts of the country, such as Yucatán, where legislative efforts have been made to remove these provisions, demonstrating a trend towards greater inclusion and respect for human rights in HIV care.

En Puebla, organizaciones civiles trabajan para reactivar la iniciativa que busca eliminar la figura legal conocida como “peligro de contagio” relacionada con el VIH, cuya existencia contribuye al estigma social y laboral contra las personas que viven con este virus. Roberto Carlos, representante de la fundación Una Esperanza para tu Vida en Tehuacán, explicó que esta propuesta ya había sido discutida con legisladores antes de que la pandemia de COVID-19 frenara su avance, por lo que ahora se busca retomar el diálogo y establecer mesas de trabajo con autoridades para avanzar en la derogación de dicha disposición.

El representante señaló que es fundamental fortalecer la protección de los derechos de quienes viven con VIH, especialmente ante los retos que enfrentan para mantener un empleo debido a los prejuicios. “El temor al rechazo puede llevar a posponer pruebas o evitar atención médica, además de dificultar la incorporación o permanencia laboral”, advirtió.

Durante una jornada de detección de infecciones de transmisión sexual realizada entre marzo y abril de 2026 en Tehuacán, se identificaron 14 nuevos casos de VIH. Además, la fundación reporta la existencia de 635 personas con VIH entre los 14 y 29 años en esa región, cifra que subraya la urgencia de intensificar la prevención, el diagnóstico oportuno y la orientación dentro de la población joven.

Roberto Carlos destacó la necesidad de acercar información, pruebas y servicios de acompañamiento, no solo en Tehuacán, sino en las comunidades de su entorno. Esto, dijo, favorecerá la detección temprana y la atención adecuada para quienes viven con el virus, en un contexto donde el estigma sigue siendo una barrera fundamental.

Frente a estas problemáticas, la organización enfatiza la importancia de generar una cultura de respeto y eliminar los prejuicios que limitan el ejercicio de los derechos a la salud, al trabajo y al desarrollo personal. Por ello, hizo un llamado a las autoridades y legisladores a retomar de manera urgente la revisión y derogación de la figura legal que criminaliza el “peligro de contagio” por VIH, así como a fortalecer las campañas de sensibilización y prevención en Puebla, donde las políticas públicas deben garantizar un trato digno y libre de discriminación para todos los ciudadanos.

En este contexto, la discusión en Puebla se alinea con avances similares en otras entidades del país, como Yucatán, donde se han registrado esfuerzos legislativos para eliminar estas disposiciones, evidenciando una tendencia hacia una mayor inclusión y respeto a los derechos humanos en la atención del VIH.

Mexico: LGBTQI+ collective calls in congress to repeal HIV criminalisation laws in Tlaxcala

The Tlaxcala LGBTTTI+ Collective has called on the 65th Legislature to repeal Article 302 of the local Criminal Code, following the repeal of Article 160 in Baja California.

The repeal of criminal provisions penalising the so-called ‘risk of transmission’ in Baja California has reignited the call by the Tlaxcala LGBTTTI+ Collective to the local Congress to push for legal changes that protect the rights of people living with HIV.

The organisation welcomed the decision by the Baja California Congress to remove Article 160 from its Penal Code, considering it an important step towards combating the discrimination and stigma faced by those living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

In their statement, activists highlighted the involvement of civil society organisations and people living with HIV in the fight to amend laws they consider to be contrary to human rights. They also pointed out that addressing this issue must prioritise prevention, access to diagnostic testing, treatment and scientific information.

“Public health is strengthened through information, prevention and human rights, not through punishment”, they stated, acknowledging the work that made the reform in Baja California possible.

At the state level, the group recalled that it has on several occasions called on the Tlaxcala State Congress to repeal Article 302 of the local Criminal Code, as it considers that its continued existence contributes to the criminalisation of and prejudice against people living with HIV.

It therefore called on the members of the 65th Legislature to review the legal framework and promote the necessary reforms to ensure full respect for the rights of this section of the population.

The group maintained that legislative progress must be accompanied by public policies based on scientific evidence, prevention and medical care, rather than punitive measures that deepen social rejection.

Finally, it reiterated that the institutional response to HIV must focus on public health and human dignity, and therefore emphasised the need to remove legal provisions which, in its view, perpetuate stigma and discrimination.

El Colectivo LGBTTTI+ Tlaxcala pidió a la 65 Legislatura derogar el artículo 302 del Código Penal local, tras la eliminación del artículo 160 en Baja California.

La derogación de disposiciones penales que sancionan el llamado peligro de contagio en Baja California reavivó el llamado del Colectivo LGBTTTI+ Tlaxcala al Congreso local para impulsar cambios legales que protejan los derechos de las personas que viven con VIH.

La organización celebró la decisión del Congreso bajacaliforniano de eliminar el artículo 160 de su Código Penal, al considerar que representa un paso importante para combatir la discriminación y el estigma que enfrentan quienes viven con el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS).

A través de su posicionamiento, activistas destacaron la participación de organizaciones civiles y personas con VIH en la lucha por modificar leyes que consideran contrarias a los derechos humanos. Asimismo, señalaron que la atención de esta problemática debe priorizar la prevención, el acceso a pruebas diagnósticas, el tratamiento y la información científica.

“La salud pública se fortalece con información, prevención y derechos humanos, no con castigos”, expresaron al reconocer el trabajo que hizo posible la reforma en Baja California.

En el ámbito estatal, el colectivo recordó que ha solicitado en distintas ocasiones al Congreso de Tlaxcala la derogación del artículo 302 del Código Penal local, al considerar que su permanencia contribuye a la criminalización y al prejuicio contra las personas que viven con VIH.

Por ello, llamó a las y los integrantes de la 65 Legislatura a revisar el marco jurídico y promover las reformas necesarias para garantizar el respeto pleno a los derechos de este sector de la población.

La agrupación sostuvo que los avances legislativos deben acompañarse de políticas públicas basadas en evidencia científica, prevención y atención médica, en lugar de medidas punitivas que profundicen el rechazo social.

Finalmente, reiteró que la respuesta institucional frente al VIH debe centrarse en la salud pública y la dignidad humana, por lo que insistió en la necesidad de eliminar las disposiciones legales que, desde su perspectiva, perpetúan el estigma y la discriminación.

Senegal: Human Rights Watch documents mass arrests, forced HIV testing, restricted access to legal representation

Brutal Crackdown Violates LGBT People’s Rights

Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports that Senegal’s crackdown on LGBT people has intensified following amendments to Article 319 of the Penal Code, adopted on 11 March 2026, which doubled the maximum prison sentence for consensual same-sex conduct to 10 years and introduced penalties for promoting or supporting LGBT people and organisations.

Between February and July 2026, at least 212 people were arrested, according to data collected by the Senegalese human rights organisation RADDHO. The HIV Justice Network reported that the number exceeded 300. Of those arrested, 82 were also charged with alleged intentional HIV transmission, although a court dismissed those charges in August.

Based on interviews with 39 people, including detainees, lawyers, health professionals, civil society representatives and members of the Senegalese queer community, HRW documents serious concerns about due process and human rights. Authorities reportedly used information extracted from seized mobile phones, third-party allegations and raids to identify and arrest suspected LGBT people. Some detainees were allegedly pressured to waive their right to legal representation, while lawyers have faced professional and social pressure that discourages them from taking these cases.

The report also highlights forced HIV testing and the use of confidential medical information in criminal proceedings. According to health professionals interviewed by HRW, fear of arrest, disclosure and stigma has led some people living with HIV to avoid clinics or miss appointments, undermining access to treatment and public health efforts.

HRW calls on the Senegalese authorities to end the crackdown and respect constitutional and international human rights obligations, including protections for privacy, informed consent, equality before the law and the right to a fair trial. The report also raises concerns about Senegal’s compliance with the Olympic Charter ahead of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.

Key points:

Mass arrests: RADDHO documented 212 arrests between February and July 2026; the HIV Justice Network reported more than 300.
HIV-related prosecutions: 82 people were reportedly charged with intentional HIV transmission. Those charges were dismissed by a court in August in one of the cases, although other charges remained against some defendants.
Forced HIV testing: HRW reports that detainees were tested without informed consent and that positive results were used to support additional criminal charges.
Medical confidentiality: Confidential HIV information allegedly reached the media, exposing individuals to stigma, threats, discrimination and family rejection.
Barriers to legal representation: Some detainees were reportedly pressured to waive their right to a lawyer, while fear of repercussions has discouraged lawyers from representing people charged under the amended law.
Public health consequences: Health professionals reported that fear of arrest and disclosure was deterring people from accessing HIV testing and treatment.

Human rights concerns: HRW argues that the crackdown threatens due process, privacy, equality and access to healthcare, and calls for it to end.

The full report is available in:

– English at https://www.hrw.org/news/2026/10/12/senegal-brutal-crackdown-violates-lgbt-peoples-rights

– French at https://www.hrw.org/fr/news/2026/10/12/senegal-une-repression-brutale-bafoue-les-droits-des-personnes-lgbt

Mexico: Yucatán repeals HIV exposure law from its criminal code

State Parliament repeals “Crime of transmission” law that discriminated against people living with HIV

Translated with DEEPL – Scroll down for article in Spanish

The State Congress approved the resolution repealing the “crime of risk of infection” from the Criminal Code and amending Yucatán’s legal framework to combat the discrimination faced by people living with HIV. The proposal was spearheaded by Morena legislator Clara Paola Rosales Montiel, who drafted it in collaboration with civil society.

In calling for a vote in favour of this reform, the MP emphasised that living with HIV is not a crime and must never be grounds for discrimination.

“We cannot continue to allow stigma, prejudice and criminalisation to become obstacles preventing people from living with dignity and fully exercising their human rights. To talk about HIV is also to talk about people, stories, families and lives. It is to talk about those who, for years, have had to face the fear of being singled out, rejected or discriminated against,” she said.

She explained that it has been proven that maintaining provisions such as the offence of risk of transmission fuels stigma and prejudice, and becomes a barrier to prevention, detection and healthcare.

In this regard, he emphasised that laws must not perpetuate fear or discrimination, but must instead help to build a society where people can access information, prevention, diagnosis and treatment without fear of being singled out.

For this reason, he added, this ruling sends a clear message that the Yucatán Congress is listening to the public and that its members are committed to drafting laws that protect, support and respect the dignity of all people.

During her address from the floor of the plenary chamber, Clara Rosales acknowledged the work of activists, collectives and civil society organisations which, for years, have raised their voices, stood alongside those living with HIV and insisted that this debate had to reach the Yucatán Congress.

“When a legislature dares to discuss what was once a taboo, when it listens to society and when it transforms those voices into rights, it is making history,” she declared.

It is worth noting that the ruling provided for the repeal of the offence of risk of infection, set out in Article 189 of the Criminal Code, as well as amending and strengthening the Yucatán Law to Prevent and Eliminate Discrimination in relation to HIV and the Law on the Prevention and Control of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections.

“Let’s continue to make history: a history in which no one has to live in fear of being discriminated against, criminalised or stigmatised because of a health condition,” he concluded.

Deroga congreso del Estado “delito de contagio” que discriminaba a personas con VIH

El Congreso del Estado aprobó el dictamen por medio de cual se derogó el delito de peligro de contagio del Código Penal y se realizaron modificaciones al marco normativo de Yucatán para combatir la discriminación que enfrentan personas que viven con VIH, propuesta que fue impulsada por la legisladora de Morena, Clara Paola Rosales Montiel, quien la construyó de la mano de la sociedad civil.

Al solicitar el voto a favor de esta reforma, la diputada recalcó que vivir con VIH no es un delito y nunca debe ser motivo de discriminación.

“No podemos seguir permitiendo que el estigma, los prejuicios y la criminalización se conviertan en obstáculos para que las personas puedan vivir con dignidad y ejercer plenamente sus derechos humanos. Hablar de VIH también es hablar de personas, de historias, de familias y de vidas. Es hablar de quienes durante años han tenido que enfrentar el miedo a ser señalados, rechazados o discriminados”, sostuvo.

Explicó que está comprobado que mantener este tipo de figuras, como el delito de peligro de contagio, alimenta el estigma y los prejuicios, y se convierte en una barrera para la prevención, la detección y la atención de la salud.

En ese sentido, enfatizó que las leyes no deben reproducir el miedo ni la discriminación, sino que tienen que ayudar a construir una sociedad donde las personas puedan acceder a información, prevención, diagnóstico y tratamiento sin temor a ser señaladas.

Por tal razón, agregó, este dictamen representa un mensaje claro de que desde el Congreso de Yucatán se escucha a la ciudadanía y que las diputadas y los diputados están dispuestos a construir leyes que protejan, acompañen y respeten la dignidad de todas las personas.

Durante su mensaje en la Tribuna del Pleno, Clara Rosales reconoció el trabajo de activistas, colectivos y organizaciones de la sociedad civil que durante años han levantado la voz, han acompañado a quienes viven con VIH y han insistido en que esta discusión tenía que llegar a este Congreso.

“Cuando una legislatura se atreve a discutir lo que antes era un tabú, cuando escucha a la sociedad y cuando transforma esas voces en derechos, está haciendo historia”, declaró.

Cabe mencionar que el dictamen estableció derogar el delito de peligro de contagio, previsto en el artículo 189 del Código Penal, además de que reformó y fortaleció la Ley para Prevenir y Eliminar la Discriminación de Yucatán en materia de VIH y la Ley para la Prevención y Control del Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana, Síndrome de Inmunodeficiencia Adquirida y Otras Infecciones de Transmisión Sexual.

“Sigamos haciendo historia: Una historia en la que nadie tenga que vivir con miedo a ser discriminado, criminalizado o señalado por una condición de salud”, finalizó

Tajikistan: Tajikistan expands mandatory HIV testing requirements

New rules for HIV medical examination came into force in Tajikistan

Translated with DEEPL – Scroll down for article in Russian

New rules for medical examination for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) came into force in Tajikistan. The new procedure was approved by a separate government resolution, which was signed by the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon on August 28. This is reported by the publication “Asia-Plus”.

According to the document, mandatory testing should now be done, in particular, by employees of beauty salons, including manicure and pedicure masters, eyebrow correction specialists, face and body cleansing, as well as tattoo artists. For beauty workers, passing the test becomes a prerequisite before starting work. If an employee is found to have HIV, he will not be able to work in the relevant field.

According to the new rules, mandatory medical examination for HIV is provided for a number of categories of citizens. These include people living with HIV, as well as children, people who inject drugs, patients who were in the hospital during the outbreak of infection, and those who underwent surgery or blood transfusion.

Children born to mothers living with HIV are also subject to mandatory examination. The previous procedure, adopted in 2008, did not provide for a mandatory medical examination for these categories.

The new procedure has expanded the list of professions whose representatives must undergo mandatory testing.

For those who get married, testing is carried out free of charge in public health care institutions. Donors of blood and other biological fluids, organs and tissues are also examined free of charge. The requirement for medical examination of people getting married, including HIV testing, appeared in Tajikistan back in 2016 after the relevant amendments to the Family Code.

According to the Republican Center for HIV Prevention and Control, as of September 1, 2025, 13,045 people with HIV were officially registered in Tajikistan. Of these, 993 people were under the age of 18, 5035 were women and 7017 were men.

The criminal codes of the Central Asian countries contain special rules on liability for putting people at risk infection and for the actual transmission of HIV infection by a person who knew about his diagnosis. Observers note that the legislation in this area retains the criminal continuity of the Soviet legal school, although human rights organisations regularly raise the issue of its mitigation.

В Таджикистане вступили в силу новые правила медобследования на ВИЧ

В Таджикистане вступили в силу новые правила медицинского обследования на вирус иммунодефицита человека (ВИЧ). Новый порядок утвержден отдельным постановлением правительства, которое 28 августа подписал президент Таджикистана Эмомали Рахмон. Об этом сообщает издание «Азия-Плюс».

Согласно документу, обязательное тестирование теперь должны проходить, в частности, сотрудники салонов красоты, в том числе мастера маникюра и педикюра, специалисты по коррекции бровей, чистке лица и тела, а также мастера татуажа. Для работников бьюти-сферы прохождение теста становится обязательным условием перед началом работы. Если у сотрудника выявят ВИЧ, он не сможет работать в соответствующей сфере.

По новым правилам, обязательное медицинское обследование на ВИЧ предусмотрено для ряда категорий граждан. В их числе — люди, живущие с ВИЧ, а также дети, люди, употребляющие наркотики инъекционным путем, пациенты, находившиеся в больнице во время вспышки инфекции, и те, кто перенес операцию либо переливание крови.

Обязательному обследованию также подлежат дети, родившиеся у матерей, живущих с ВИЧ. В предыдущем порядке, принятом в 2008 году, обязательного медицинского обследования для этих категорий не предусматривалось.

Новый порядок расширил перечень профессий, представители которых должны проходить обязательное тестирование.

Для вступающих в брак тестирование проводится бесплатно в государственных учреждениях здравоохранения. Бесплатно также обследуют доноров крови и других биологических жидкостей, органов и тканей. Требование о медицинском обследовании людей, вступающих в брак, включая тестирование на ВИЧ, появилось в Таджикистане еще в 2016 году после внесения соответствующих изменений в Семейный кодекс.

По данным Республиканского центра профилактики и борьбы с ВИЧ, на 1 сентября 2025 года в Таджикистане на официальном учете состояли 13 045 человек с ВИЧ. Из них 993 человека были младше 18 лет, 5035 составляли женщины и 7017 — мужчины.

Уголовные кодексы стран Центральной Азии содержат специальные нормы специальные нормы об ответственности за поставление в опасность заражения (создание риска) и за фактическую передачу ВИЧ-инфекции лицом, знавшим о своем диагнозе. Наблюдатели отмечают, что законодательство в этой сфере сохраняет уголовную преемственность советской правовой школы, хотя правозащитные организации регулярно поднимают вопрос о его смягчении.

China: Chongqing joins other cities requiring disclosure of HIV status to partners

Chinese Cities Mandate HIV Disclosure to Spouses, Sexual Partners

Chongqing became the latest Chinese municipality to require people living with HIV to inform their spouses and sexual partners of their status, following similar legislation in several provinces across the country.

The Chongqing AIDS Prevention and Treatment Regulations, approved yesterday by the municipal people’s congress standing committee, will take effect on December 1, 2026. Under the rules, infected individuals must proactively disclose their infection or illness to their spouse, sexual partners, and the other party in a marriage registration application within a specified timeframe.

The regulations introduce a mechanism allowing medical institutions to notify partners on the patient’s behalf if the infected person fails to do so, based on epidemiological investigation findings, while providing medical guidance to prevent transmission. The law also strictly prohibits public disclosure of infected individuals’ personal information without consent, drawing a clear line between “notification to specific individuals” and “public disclosure to unspecified persons.”

China’s national AIDS Prevention and Treatment Regulations, in force since March 2006, already oblige people with HIV to inform their sexual partners. Several provinces have since enacted similar provisions. Guangxi’s regulations, effective in 2013, require disclosure within one month of a positive diagnosis, with disease control authorities authorized to notify partners if the patient does not. Yunnan’s 2021 rules and Guangdong’s 2023 regulations contain comparable requirements, with Guangdong also mandating disclosure before marriage registration.

The Civil Code stipulates that a spouse with a major illness must inform the other party before marriage registration; failure to do so gives the other party the right to request annulment. China’s maternal and child health care law includes AIDS among designated infectious diseases screened in premarital examinations.

Courts have applied these provisions. In a case published in the Supreme People’s Court’s case database, a Sichuan court annulled a marriage in September 2024 after a husband concealed his HIV-positive status before the wedding. In Shanghai, a court annulled a marriage in 2023 after a wife learned her husband had been diagnosed with AIDS in 2011 but had hidden it for years.

US: Ohio advocates launch first Advocacy Day for HIV law reform

HIV decriminalization supporters to hold first-ever Advocacy Day at Ohio Statehouse

Ohio still has six laws on the books that criminalize living with HIV. And the laws are actively enforced.

HIV decriminalization advocates will hold an inaugural Advocacy Day on November 17 at the Ohio Statehouse to put legislative pressure on lawmakers to modernize state laws that unnecessarily target and punish people living with HIV.

Ohio has six laws that criminalize certain acts – including sex – for people living with HIV, or that substantially increase sentences for them compared to people who do not have the virus. These laws impose stiff penalties – regardless of whether the virus is or can be transmitted, and even in some cases where transmission is not scientifically possible. In some situations, the law also requires sex offender registration.

Many states have taken steps to modernize their HIV laws.

“We’re been really inspired by some of the policy wins we’re seeing in other states like North Dakota, Maryland and Louisiana, and we think the environment is perfect right now to do the same in Ohio,” said Josh Meek, steering committee member of the Ohio Health Modernization Movement (OHMM), a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to modernizing outdated HIV Laws in Ohio

According to a 2024 study released by OHMM and the Equality Ohio Education Fund, from 2014 to 2020, there were at least 214 confirmed HIV-related prosecutions in Ohio, of which over half (120 cases) came from the state’s “harassment with a bodily substance” law and about a third (77 cases) came under Ohio’s felonious assault law. The remainder (17 cases) were related to sex work.

Additionally, the research shows that Ohio’s HIV criminalization laws disproportionately impact Black communities, with at least 36% of defendants identifying as Black. Statewide, 29% of all defendants (62 people) were Black men.

Advocacy Day will give supporters, individuals living with HIV and experts in health policy and criminal justice the opportunity to meet in groups directly with elected officials. A catered lunch will feature a speakers panel on the need for HIV decriminalization, rounding out the day that organizers say is as much about a learning opportunity as it will be about advocacy.

“For some legislators, this might be their first time they’re ever knowingly meeting with someone living with HIV,” said Meek.

The ultimate goal of Advocacy Day is to bring about legislation that modernizes the outdated laws. Republican Rep. Sara Carruthers proposed a pair of modernization bills in 2024, but they did not make it past a first reading.

Although advocates aren’t yet ready to identify the names of specific legislators who might champion new bills, they say the appetite for reform is definitely present.

“There are both Democrats and Republicans who are interested in talking about HIV and who recognize that we have penalties on the books that are excessive,” said Meek. “They know we’re not trying to move heaven and earth but are just trying to create what is more sensible and equitable for all Ohioans.”

In addition to encouraging people to register for Advocacy Day, advocates are urging more Ohioans to get involved with OHMM – whether that’s through helping educate their community, reaching out to their elected representatives or writing an op-ed to their local newspaper.

“HIV is not a death sentence, and we’ve made great strides in science, technology and understanding what HIV really is,” said Meek. “More people need to know that before we can make some needed change.” 🔥

IGNITE ACTION

The Ohio Health Modernization Movements’s Advocacy Day will be held on Tuesday, November 17, at the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus. Register to attend here.
Prior to Advocacy Day, OHMM will hold a “Speak Up With Confidence: Media Training and How to Talk to Legislators” virtual session on October 26 at 6 p.m. (register here) and an “Advocacy Day Q&A: What to Know Before You Go” virtual session on November 9 at 6 p.m. (register here).

Türkiye: Concerns raised over isolation of people with HIV and access to treatment

People living with HIV held in isolation after LGBTI+ arrests, group says

Pozitif Alan criticized the practice, noting that HIV is not transmitted through everyday contact.

People living with HIV who were jailed following operations targeting LGBTI+s and rights advocates have been placed in isolation because of their HIV status, according to the HIV-focused group Pozitif Alan.

The group said some of those arrested in the Sep 13 “My Family Is Safe” operations were being held in isolation without a medical basis.

“HIV status can never be grounds for isolation,” Pozitif Alan said, noting that the virus is not transmitted through everyday contact, including sharing the same space or skin contact.

“This practice is contrary to scientific facts, discriminatory, and degrading to human dignity,” it added.

Pozitif Alan also raised concerns about possible disruptions to medication and treatment for people living with HIV in prison.

“Continuity of HIV treatment is vital,” the statement said. “Any delay or interruption in access to medication would seriously endanger the health of those imprisoned.”

The group called on prison administrations and the Health Ministry to guarantee uninterrupted access to medication and necessary healthcare services for imprisoned people living with HIV.

Pozitif Alan further said some of the jailed rights advocates had worked to improve access to HIV testing, treatment and prevention services. It warned that treating such work as criminal activity could undermine HIV prevention efforts and public health. (NÖ/VK)

Fiji: Response to the national HIV emergency must be centred on human rights and human dignity

HIV emergency measures must not fuel discrimination, forced testing

Emergency measures being considered in response to Fiji’s HIV outbreak must not be used to justify compulsory HIV testing, unlawful disclosure of HIV status, arbitrary detention or discrimination.

This has been highlighted by the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission after Minister for Health Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu declared HIV a national crisis, with Government introducing a formal needle and syringe programme alongside expanded testing, treatment and prevention measures as 1 in 60 adults in Fiji are living with HIV.

Dr Lalabalavu has assured that there will be no mandatory testing as it is not in the HIV Act.

Human Rights Commissioner Chantelle Khan says any extraordinary powers used by Government must have a clear legal basis, defined purpose, scope and duration.

Khan says the measures must be lawful, necessary, proportionate, time-bound, non-discriminatory and subject to appropriate oversight.

The Commissioner adds that Fiji’s response to the national HIV emergency must be centred on human rights and human dignity.

She says HIV is not only a public health issue, but also a human rights concern affecting the rights to life, health, dignity, privacy, equality and freedom from discrimination.

She says fear, blame and punishment could drive people away from testing and treatment, while trust, accurate information and accessible healthcare can save lives.

She says the Commission is calling for the expansion of voluntary and confidential HIV testing, uninterrupted access to antiretroviral treatment and strengthened prevention, counselling, harm-reduction, and maternal and child health services.

She says people living with HIV and affected communities must be meaningfully involved in developing and monitoring the national response.

Khan says no person should be denied healthcare, employment, education, housing or any other service because of their actual or perceived HIV status.

Türkiye: LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups targeted in nationwide police raids

Turkish authorities launch crackdown on LGBTQ+ and HIV support groups

ISTANBUL (AP) — Turkish authorities cracked down on multiple LGBTQ+ groups and individuals early Sunday morning, detaining dozens of members, breaking into association offices and raiding popular hangouts.

In an escalation of its decade-long hostility toward LGBTQ+ groups, particularly in the lead-up to elections, simultaneous police raids beginning at 1 a.m. took place in the major cities of Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir, Aydin and Mersin.

Justice Minister Akin Gurlek announced on social media that the investigation into 162 suspects, nine associations and 13 businesses was to “protect children, the institution of the family, and public order” in line with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s 10-year executive order relating to families and children.

“As per the duty to protect families and children given to the state by the constitution, no criminal organization, abuse network or illegal activity which targets children, youths or families will be tolerated!” Gurlek said.

The raids targeted both current and former members of multiple prominent LGBTQ+ rights and HIV awareness groups. The organizations’ websites were also blocked.

Gurlek also noted that such associations were found to receive significant funding from international sources and agencies.

The Human Rights Association condemned the raids. “This is not a judicial investigation; it is a political operation aimed at forcing society into a monolithic family model and purging LGBTI+ and independent civil society under the guise of protecting the family and children,” it said.

“To include unrelated charges such as ‘forming a criminal organization,’ ‘drugs,’ ‘prostitution’ and ‘obscenity’ serves not to reveal the truth but to incriminate the entire community.”

The religious conservative Justice and Development Party has been increasingly vocal against LGBTQ+ groups to play up to the more conservative elements of its base. In 2015, it banned Istanbul Pride, which had tens of thousands of attendees in previous years prior. Since then, authorities have violently dispersed any attempted gatherings for Pride.

This summer, an LGBTQ+ cruise ship that tours the Mediterranean and has docked in Turkey multiple times in the past was refused permission to dock there.

The Ottoman Empire, predecessor to the modern republic of Turkey, decriminalized homosexuality in 1858, however there is still significant social discrimination.