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Making positive justice possible.

CHLP is an abolitionist legal and policy organization that envisions and works for a world where HIV and other stigmatized health conditions are no longer criminalized but met with compassion and the resources to thrive.

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In the News

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July 10, 2024

MLK50 Op-ed: Memphis needs to end HIV criminalization to achieve justice and promote public health

CHLP Staff Attorney Sean McCormick and Sister Reach CEO Cherisse Scott authored this op-ed in MLK50 to counter misinformation about and the politic

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July 2, 2024

CHLP Denounces New Law in Tennessee that Further Criminalizes People Living with HIV

On July 1, 2024, a new law went into effect in Tennessee that expands the offense of aggravated rape to include individuals who commit rape knowing that they are living with HIV. Neither the intent to transmit nor transmission is required for a conviction.
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June 26, 2024

STI Criminalization Bill Stopped in Oklahoma

CHLP collaborates with advocates in Oklahoma to oppose a bill that would have criminalized thousands of Oklahomans living with sexually transmitted infections.
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Visionary Justice

If you share CHLP's vision of radical, transformative, and Visionary Justice, please donate to our fundraising campaign. The entire CHLP team thanks you for your solidarity and support. We cannot create the world we all deserve without you! 

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What We Do

Positive Justice Project

A national coalition of organizations and individuals working to end HIV criminalization.

Sexual Health Literacy

Working for the rights of youth in state custody to comprehensive, LGBTQ-affirming sexual health care.

Molecular HIV Surveillance

Protecting the privacy and rights of people living with HIV and from the misuse of molecular surveillance data.

Recent Webinars

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Event

The DOJ Findings on the ADA in Tennessee, Part 1: Exploring the Facts

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Event

The DOJ Findings on the ADA in Tennessee, Part 2: How Advocates are Applying the Findings

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Event

Let's Talk Abolition: Pride Edition

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Find Laws In Your State

Information on HIV criminalization laws and policies in every state based on research for CHLP's Sourcebook on State and Federal HIV Criminal Law and Practice.

Go to Our Policy Map

Featured CHLP Publications

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Resource

HIV Criminalization in the United States: A Sourcebook on State and Federal HIV Criminal Law and Practice, CHLP (updated January 2024)

January 31, 2024
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Resource

The PJP Update, Positive Justice Project (September 2022)

September 12, 2022
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Resource

Map: HIV Criminalization in the United States, CHLP (updated 2022)

June 28, 2022
Timeline of State Reforms and Repeals of HIV Criminal Laws
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Timeline of State Reforms and Repeals of HIV Criminal Laws, CHLP (updated 2022)

June 28, 2022
Viral Hepatitis Map
Resource

Map: An Overview of States Criminalizing Viral Hepatitis, CHLP (updated May 2022)

May 18, 2022
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U.S. HIV Laws and Prosecutorial Tools, CHLP (updated 2022)

April 4, 2022
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Latest Resources

CHLP's National Resource Center on HIV, Infectious Disease, Sexual Health and Identity is a comprehensive database of materials to inform and support sound laws and advocacy around stigmatized identities.

Court and Agency Decisions and Orders (including case law)

Braidwood v Becerra, 5th Circuit Court of Appeals (June 21, 2024)

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued its much-anticipated decision in Braidwood v. Becerra, a case challenging the constitutionality of the ACA preventive care mandate.

Letters and Other Advocacy Documents

Opposition to Oklahoma HB 3098, CHLP (February 2024)

Introduced in the 2024 legislative session, House Bill 3098 (HB 3098) would have dramatically increased the number of health conditions criminalized under Oklahoma law.

Statutes, Regulations, and Agency Guidelines

The Use of Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program Funds for Core Medical Services and Support Services for People Living with HIV Who Are Incarcerated and Justice Involved, HRSA HAB (2024)

The Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) HIV/AIDS Bureau (HAB) released a policy update and letter "that provides guidance regarding how Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) funds may be used to provide expungement services for people with HIV who have had legal system involvement.
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Support CHLP

More than 90% of every donation we receive goes directly to support our advocacy programs on behalf of people living with HIV.

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