This World AIDS Day, Commit to Ending HIV Criminalization
Today is World AIDS Day, a time to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and honor those who have lost their lives to AIDS related illnesses. The theme of this year’s World AIDS day is “Remember and Commit”. The word “remember” encourages us to take time to honor those we have lost. The word “commit” implores us to take collective action towards health equity for people living with HIV. At South Carolina United for Justice & Equality, we invite you to join us in committing to end HIV criminalization in our state.
Join our effort by taking the pledge to end HIV criminalization by clicking the button below.
Today marks 35 years since the first World AIDS Day. Although we still have a long way to go to ensure all people living with HIV have access to the necessary treatment, we have made extraordinary advancements in the ways we prevent and treat HIV since that first World AIDS Day in 1988. Today, undetectable=untransmittable (U=U), meaning that people living with HIV who adhere to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and reach an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners, even if a condom isn’t used.
Despite these scientific advancements, in South Carolina, our policies around HIV remain unchanged. HIV is criminalized, and people living with HIV in our state can be charged with a felony if they engage in sex, or other activities that could spread HIV, without disclosing their HIV status. There have even been cases in South Carolina of people being charged on the basis of their HIV status for actions that do not actually transmit HIV, such as biting and spitting.
HIV criminalization does not reduce HIV transmission. On the contrary, it increases stigma and discourages testing, both factors that increase HIV transmission. Further, HIV criminalization disproportionately affects already-marginalized communities, including Black people, People of Color, transgender people, people who use drugs, and sex workers. This World AIDS Day, join us in committing to end HIV criminalization here in South Carolina. Take the pledge today.