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HIV and the law

More than two decades after the first cases of AIDS were diagnosed in Australia, people living with HIV still face unacceptable levels of discrimination and stigma.

NAPWA is working to end discrimination, protect the legal rights of positive people and foster an environment of co-operation and trust.

Key resources

HIV+ Gay Sex
HIV+ Gay Sex (cover)

A booklet about being gay, having HIV and sex. Second Edition (2002).

Same-Sex Law Reform and Pension Changes: the Case for Savings Provisions & Other Transitional Arrangements
Same Sex Law Reform briefing paper - cover

This briefing paper discusses the impact of changes to social security payments (including the Disability Support Pension) for people in same-sex relationships, which are planned to take effect from 1 July 2009.

Declaration of rights for people living with HIV/AIDS

Story • 18 November 2005

Full text of the revised Declaration of Rights for People Living with HIV/AIDS, launched at the NAPWA Conference on 19 November. Read more »

Govt to urge neighbours not to discriminate

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 5 June 2009

The Rudd Government will encourage Australia’s Asia-Pacific neighbours to introduce laws that protect people with HIV and homosexually active men from discrimination. Read more »

HIV Living & Social Policy Bulletin April 2009: Issue 1

Story • Scott Lockhart • 21 May 2009
Living with HIV

The NAPWA HIV Living Today bulletin is issued once a quarter in the interest of keeping our NAPWA Networks and members up to date with what’s happening in the HIV Living unit. Read more »

19-year sentence for deliberately infecting

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 13 March 2009

Michael Neal, the Melbourne man found guilty of deliberately trying to spread HIV, has been sentenced to 18 years and nine months jail with a non-parole period of 13 years. Read more »

A downside of same-sex law reform

Positive Living article • Adrian Ogier • 13 March 2009

With impending social security changes set to adversely affect a good chunk of our community, it’s important we look for ways to ease the transition for a group already doing it hard. Read more »

Same-Sex Law Reform and Pension Changes: the Case for Savings Provisions & Other Transitional Arrangements

Resource • 5 March 2009
Read more »n/a

Your rights

From Next steps • 1 December 2008

Although you are not obliged to tell anyone your status, the law may require you to tell people under certain circumstances. Read more »

Outrage over HIV-positive sex worker’s sentence

Positive Living article • David Menadue • 25 November 2008

Sex worker rights group Scarlet Alliance expressed outrage at the sentencing of sex worker Hector Scott for two months and four days under the ACT Prostitution Control Act in September. Read more »

ASHM 2008: Unity against criminalisation

Positive Living article • David Menadue and Adrian Ogier • 25 November 2008

At the opening plenary of the 20th Australasian Society of HIV Medicine (ASHMAustralasian Society for HIV Medicine. The peak Australasian organisation representing the medical and health sector in HIV/AIDS and related areas. ) Conference in Perth on July 17-20, the Presidents of ASHM, AFAOAustralian Federation of AIDS Organisations. AFAO is the peak non-government organisation representing Australia's community-based response to HIV/AIDS. AFAO's work includes education, policy, advocacy and international projects. and NAPWA all condemned recent trends by governments around the world to criminalise the transmission of HIV. Read more »

Disclosing your HIV status: a guide to some of the legal issues

Story • HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (NSW) • 15 October 2008

This booklet contains the relevant law on disclosure of HIV status as it applies in New South Wales as at 1 January 2008. Read more »

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