 
March 5, 2012
Maryland Considers Increasing HIV Law to 25-Year Felony
Lawmakers in the Maryland legislature have proposed changing
the state’s HIV-specific criminal law from a misdemeanor to a felony, the
American Independent reports. Delegate C.T. Wilson, a Democrat, said he
introduced the legislation after a recent trial in which a man with HIV was
convicted but only received “a slap on the wrist.” Under current law,
attempting to or transmitting HIV can result in a three-year sentence and a
$2,500 fine. Wilson wants that sentence increased to 25 years, likening HIV to
domestic abuse. Advocates have said that evidence shows that criminal laws have
little impact on behavior, that they actually deter people from getting tested,
and that they increase stigma and discrimination.
To read the American Independent article, click here.
Search: Maryland, HIV, criminalization, felony, AIDS, jail
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