DOJ Condemns Tennessee's Discriminatory Law Against People with HIV

The Justice Department has accused Tennessee of discriminating against people with HIV through a state law that elevates misdemeanor prostitution crimes to felonies if the defendant has HIV. The department argues that this law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by subjecting individuals to harsher penalties solely based on their HIV status. The law imposes steeper charges, including potential prison sentences and placement on the state's Sex Offender Registry, without considering the actual risk of harm or likelihood of transmission. The Justice Department's investigation found several complainants who have been harmed by the law and have been considered registered sex offenders for life. If the state does not resolve the findings, the federal government may take legal action.