STUCK IN THE 80s
THE NEW CAMPAIGN FOR HIV DECRIMINALIZATION
The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation continues its work to help end HIV criminalization in the U.S. with the new “Stuck in the 80s” campaign, placing dozens of eye-level “wild postings” and major billboards at high-traffic locations in states with outdated HIV laws.
The campaign aims to raise awareness about outdated HIV criminalization laws across the country. The “wild postings” and billboards compare the laws to the 1980s, when many of these laws were written – and the majority of these laws have not been revisited since then. For people living with HIV, these laws can mean criminal status and imprisonment.
ETAF calls on local communities to CONTACT YOUR LAWMAKERS, and let them know that now is the time to rewrite outdated HIV criminalization laws. ETAF has provided the script below for you to use when contacting lawmakers. Click the link below to find your local elected officials and let them know that HIV criminalization laws must change, and that HIV IS NOT A CRIME.
COPY and PASTE the Script Below and Update with Your Information
Hello, my name is [your name] and I’m your constituent from [insert city and state]. I’m calling to urge you to stand against HIV criminalization laws in [our state] and across the nation.
These laws were enacted decades ago and have not been updated to reflect medical advances in HIV treatment and prevention. We can end the HIV epidemic, but outdated HIV laws are holding us back. They perpetuate stigma and discourage testing and treatment.
Ending the epidemic requires updating outdated HIV laws to reflect modern science for the health and safety of all people. It’s time for reform!
Can I count on you to support legislation reforming HIV criminal laws?
Sincerely,
[your first and last name]
Your constituent
Destigmatize.
Modernize.
Humanize.
Join the Movement to End HIV
HIV is not a crime, but in more than 30 states, people are being criminalized due to their HIV status.
Thanks to scientific advancements, HIV is no longer a death sentence and, with the right medications, the risk of transmitting the virus from one person to another sexually is zero.
“A person [living] with HIV who takes HIV medicine as prescribed and gets and stays virally suppressed or undetectable can stay healthy and will not transmit HIV to their sex partners.” (CDC.gov)
Despite this medical progress, people living with HIV are being charged and branded as criminals because of their status.
Stay up to date! Join us to receive updates on ETAF’s efforts for HIV criminalization reform.
HIV Is Not A Crime Symposium at IAS 2021
Watch ETAF’s symposium on the impact of HIV Criminalization at the Conference on HIV Science.
Moderated by Emmy Award-winning journalist, New York Times bestselling author, co-host of ABC’s The View, and HIV Is Not A Crime Champion, Sunny Hostin!
Storytelling to Change Laws & Fight Stigma | HIV Is Not A Crime
Watch ETAF’s recorded session at IAS 2021 Conference on HIV Science titled,
“Storytelling to Change Laws & Fight Stigma!”
Our Champion Support
Watch HIV Is Not A Crime’s Town Hall hosted by Sunny Hostin
Sunny Hostin Moderates “HIV Is Not A Crime” Panel at the International AIDS Society’s 2021 Conference on HIV Science
Sunny Hostin is an American lawyer, journalist, and television host. Hostin is co-host on ABC’s morning talk show The View as well as the Senior Legal Correspondent and Analyst for ABC News. She is also a Champion of HIV Is Not A Crime.
Read Bruce Cohen’s op-ed in support of Virginia’s SB1138
Check out True (Not) Crime featuring Surrogate Robert Suttle and featuring the voice of Zachary Quinto
Directed by Delaney Buffett, written by George M. Johnson and produced by Before the Door Pictures.
Watch the 2nd True (Not) Crime sharing Ken Pinkela’s story and featuring the voice of Andy Cohen
Directed by Delaney Buffett, written by Sean Quinn and produced by Before the Door Pictures.
View Champion Eric Rutherford’s IG Live with Surrogate Robert Suttle
Sunny Hostin & Andy Cohen speak about HIV Criminal Laws on ABC’s The View
Recent News
On June 18th, 2020, The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) announced a new national initiative focused on the modernization of criminal laws and penalties for people living with HIV. The effort will launch in partnership with Gilead Sciences, Inc., and a national alliance of advocacy partners including The Counter Narrative Project, Positive Women’s Network, The Sero Project, Transgender Law Center, and the US People Living with HIV Caucus. The Artemis Agency, a Los Angeles-based social impact firm, will be working with ETAF on the public education and awareness campaign. ETAF will also partner with state-based organizations as needed to ensure the initiative’s success…
