The Illinois Senate is voting to decriminalize HIV.
State law currently makes it a felony crime to transmit the virus, whether it be via needles or sex…even in a consensual relationship. Senator Robert Peters of Chicago sponsored legislation repealing that provision, saying it’s time to remove the stigma.
“HIV is the only communicable disease we criminalize. We don’t’ do that for anybody else. So it’s removing that criminalization so people can have more comfort to seek the treatment that they need.”
The bill has passed both houses and now heads to the Governor’s desk for final approval.
