In the early years of the HIV epidemic, laws were enacted to impose criminal penalties on people living with HIV and were used to target individuals who exposed another person to the virus. These laws were passed before medical studies proved that antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces transmission and the laws do not account for additional risk reduction measures such as condoms and PrEP.

The panel discussion will consist of members of the Californians for HIV Criminalization Reform (CHCR), a coalition of organizations and individuals dedicated to replacing fear-based laws with evidence-based, nondiscriminatory laws that protect public health. The panel will help to inform the public about the effect of HIV criminalization on the community and will encourage individuals to take action to help reform public policy.

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CONTACT:  Andi Lovano, Project Development Administrator, alovano@weho.org