Limit Cases: How and why we can and should decriminalise HIV Transmission, exposure and non-disclosure
ABSTRACT: Across the world, people living with HIV and AIDS (PLHA) face investigation, prosecution, conviction, and punishment if they transmit HIV to another person, expose others to the risk of HIV acquisition, or fail to disclose in advance their HIV positive status. This article seeks to explain why limiting the criminalisation of HIV is important and necessary; identifies some of the ways in which it has been, and might be, limited; and, finally, offers some reflections on whether there exists a principled limit to decriminalisation arguments (ie whether there are cases which, even if the general principles underpinning decriminalisation is accepted, justify state punishment). Drawing on recent international policy guidance, current scientific knowledge about HIV prevention and treatment, and research on the impact of criminalisation of PLHA, the article argues that decriminalisation is critical to eradicating HIV and should be a public health priority, that biomedical advances in prevention and treatment will assist the decriminalisation project but are insufficient in the absence of legal and criminal justice practice reform.
HIV and AIDS Faith Advocacy Toolkit
Drawing upon a wide literature on HIV, religion, and advocacy, this toolkit aims to equip and inspire people to use the strength of their faith communities to advocate for the achievement of universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care, and support. It contains a background on faith-based advocacy and HIV, a guide to planning advocacy campaigns, an overview of universal access, and additional advocacy resources. The toolkit was prepared as part of the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance’s HIV and AIDS campaign “Live the Promise,” based on the knowledge that churches are living with and affected by HIV and AIDS. The campaign aims to hold individuals, governments, religious leaders, and faith organizations accountable for the commitments they have made and be advocates for further efforts and resources to respond to HIV and AIDS.