National Consensus Statement Against HIV Criminalization in U.S. Released

The PJP has issued a joint statement calling on federal and state officials to modernize criminal laws and policies and to eliminate HIV-specific statutes. The statement also calls on officials to ensure that any prosecution based on exposure to a sexually transmitted disease, including HIV, requires proof of an intent to harm, conduct that is likely to result in that harm, proof that the conduct of the accused in fact resulted in the alleged harm and punishment that is proportionate to the actual harm caused by the defendant's conduct. The Consensus Statement highlights injustice caused by HIV criminalization and includes clear rationales, both scientific and legal, for why change is overdue.

Original endorsers of the Statement are: the Center for HIV Law and Policy, U.S. Representative Hansen Clarke of Michigan's 13th district, the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, AIDS Legal Assistance Project, Public Law Center, Orange County, CA, AIDS United, Community HIV/Hepatitis Advocates of Iowa Network (CHAIN), Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Housing Works, Lambda Legal, National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD), National Minority AIDS Council, OLB (Online Buddies, Inc.) Research Institute, Positive Iowans Taking Charge (PITCH) Project, U.S. Positive Women's Network, Unique & Unified, and individuals including Anna Forbes (consultant), Bronwen Lichtenstein (University of Alabama), John Earl (activist), and Iowan activist Tami Haught.

Download a copy of the Consensus Statement here.

Press release announcing the Consensus Statement.