Views

Our latest report explores how reckless transmission laws are understood and enforced in England and Wales.

To mark international HIV is Not a Crime Awareness Day (HINAC Day), Kat Smithson reflects on the many examples of the criminalisation of HIV that she has seen in the UK over the past decade, and the damage that this broken approach continues to do.

Kat Smithson shares that since 2001 it has been possible to be prosecuted for the reckless or intentional transmission of HIV in England and Wales. We’re pleased that this week, long overdue changes to the CPS’s guidance have been published.

HIV warnings on the Police National Computer (PNC) are not backed up by science or law.

Channel 4’s ground-breaking drama “It’s a Sin” shone a harrowing light on the failings of public institutions in the early days HIV. The stark depictions of the police responses to HIV and AIDS, based on real experiences, are particularly pertinent.

A new Private Member’s Bill is attracting widespread attention and support, including a moving feature on BBC’s The One Show this week (29 January 2018). The Bill admirably aims to increase protection for emergency workers who suffer assaults at work, with a focus on tougher sentencing laws.[1] But one part of the Bill is alarming to us at NAT, and other public health experts. This part will make it an offence, punishable by fine, for suspects to refuse to be tested for infectious diseases following spitting and biting incidents.

There have been a number of reports of on an HIV criminalisation case in the media this week, describing the man involved as ‘knowingly’ infecting his then girlfriend.

At the International AIDS Conference in Melbourne there has been lots of talk about the criminal law can impede the global fight against HIV.