YES to SB0655: End IL HIV Criminalization

With the recent introduction of SB 0655, we urge your support to vote YES. This legislation will repeal the statute creating the offense of criminal transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These targeted criminal statutes cause more harm by contributing to the stigma and adding to the list of challenges of what it’s like living with HIV. These criminal statutes have shown no proven effectiveness to actually prevent HIV transmission. The use of the criminal justice system to address the HIV pandemic has lifelong negative consequences for people of color and the LGBTQ+ community. The Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA) recognizes that these discriminatory laws are outdated, dangerous, and contribute to the stigma of living with HIV. Chris Wade from IPHA shares, “To ensure an equitable state for Black and Brown individuals and to promote science-based and proven HIV public health strategies of testing, preventing, and engaging in care, it’s essential that lawmakers repeal Illinois’ HIV criminalization law.” Please consider signing in support of SB 0655! With the 20+ advocacy organization and the numerous community leaders, we can take this leap to ensure that Illinois can ensure a generation free of the virus and push for a better quality of life for people living with HIV.

First sent on March 7 by Illinois HIV Action Alliance