Stop the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure!
Background
The current Canadian criminal law requires people living with HIV to disclose their status before engaging in behaviour that involves a “significant risk” of transmitting the virus. More than 130 people living with HIV have been charged in less than 15 years — yet, this includes numerous cases, in which their activity posed no significant risk of HIV transmission. This is a miscarriage of justice. Such misuse of the law also contributes to a climate of anxiety, fear, stigma and misinformation that undermines HIV counseling, education and prevention efforts — and puts all Canadians at greater risk.
On February 8, 2012, the Supreme Court of Canada hears two landmark cases on this important issue in R v. Mabior and R v. DC. The Court’s decisions in these two appeal cases will have profound implications not only for people living with HIV, but also for Canadian public health, police practice and the criminal justice system. You can view the proceedings on February 8 via live webcast at
the Supreme Court of Canada’s website.
More information can be found at the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network.
How you can show your support!
Attend the Toronto Day of Action against the Criminalization of HIV where they will have calls to action, march to Old City Hall and Street Theatre.
Date and Time: Monday, February 6th, 2012 5:30 pm
Location: Church of the Holy Trinity (483 Bay Street, Toronto)
More details can be found on the Facebook event page
Upcoming Workshops for Service Providers
POZ Prevention Workshop
This 1/2 day workshop will provide assistance in utilizing available POZ Prevention resources, navigating HIV & and the Law and the duty to warn. The program is set to provide an overview of the complex realities facing people living with HIV in their day-to-day sexual interactions and the challenges in accessing appropriate care.
Date & Time: February 23, 2012, 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location: Peel HIV/AIDS Network
For more details and to register, click here
Ontario HIV & Substance Use Training Program
PHAN invites staff at social service agencies in the Region of Peel and surrounding areas to attend a FREE 2-day workshop and networking event with the Ontario HIV & Substance Use Training Program (OHSUTP) which provides training to substance use, mental health and allied service providers in Ontario, in order to increase knowledge of HIV/AIDS and to promote skills development.
Date & Time: March 8 & 9, 2012, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Location: The Centre for Health and Safety Innovation - East Room
(5110 Creekbank Road, Mississauga, ON L4W 0A1)
For more details and registration info, click here
Save the Date – A Taste for Life 2012
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012
(More info coming soon…)