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Advocates press lawmakers to repeal HIV-specific crime, name bill for longtime activist Carlton R. Smith
Summary
Supporters urged repeal of Maryland—s HIV-specific criminal statute (HB 39), arguing it is outdated, deters testing and disproportionately harms communities of color and LGBTQ people. Advocates framed the bill as public-health and equity reform and asked the committee to honor long-time activist Carlton R. Smith by naming the measure after him.
House Bill 39 would repeal Maryland—s law that criminalizes transfer of HIV (currently codified at section 18-601.1 of the Health Article) and thereby remove an HIV-specific criminal prohibition that witnesses said is rooted in stigma and 1980s-era misinformation.
Advocates who spoke — including members of the Maryland Coalition to Decriminalize HIV, Free State Justice, the Maryland Commission on LGBTQI+ Affairs and multiple community leaders…
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