HIV ADVOCACY

In a time when LGBTQ+ rights are under direct attack, FreeState Justice has become increasingly important in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality.


A huge aspect of that is HIV Decriminalization, the expansion of access to PrEP and PEP, and  working to ensure that no person living with this illness suffers unjust discrimination from outdated legislation.  We are always focused on allowing LGBTQ+ Marylanders to feel seen and respected while protecting their rights. 

Maryland hiv advocacy

coalition


FreeState Justice leads the Decriminalization Coalition in Maryland. It is made up of people living with HIV, HIV service providers, and advocates interested in decriminalizing HIV in Maryland.

Join Our Coalition Efforts Here!

Facts About HIV in Maryland

HIV In The u.s.

HIV is Criminalized in Maryland

Criminalization means when local legal code makes a certain status or action illegal. In Maryland Legal Code § 18–601.1, having HIV is criminalized, with broad language and unspecified actions allowing legal code to cite any person who has HIV as doing something illegal.

HIV Decriminalization

HIV is not a crime, but Maryland law currently singles it out for criminal punishment. MD Health-Gen Code § 18-601.1 frustrates our public health goals and places stigmatization in the way of ending the epidemic.

Access to PrEP & Pep

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (or PrEP) is medicine taken to prevent getting HIV. PrEP is highly effective for preventing HIV when taken as prescribed.


Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is any HIV medicine taken within 72 hours (3 days) after a possible exposure to HIV

to prevent HIV.

FSJ Is Working to expand access to pep and prep

Our ongoing advocacy goals include expanding access to these life-saving medications, not only raising awareness of their benefits but ensuring any Marylander has easy access to them.

In the Legislature

In 2023, Del. Kris Fair (D-3A) introduced a bill to repeal § 18–601.1 of the Health-Gen Article, eliminating Maryland’s discriminatory and outdated HIV criminalization statute. The bill passed out of the House 97-37, and would have:

 

  • Brought MD law up to date with scientific advancements 
  • Encouraged testing and treatment by removing threat of criminalization 
  • Removed codified stigmatization of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) 


FreeState Justice worked closely with leaders in the MD legislature on this bill, and are ready to work even harder the next year to get it passed!


Learn More Here!

The Pathway to Progress


HIV Pathway to Progress is an upcoming event dedicated to raising awareness about HIV and promoting the mission of FreeState Justice (FSJ), an organization committed to the decriminalization of HIV in Maryland. This event serves as a platform for advocacy, education, and community engagement, bringing together diverse voices from the public health, legal, and LGBTQ+ communities to address the stigma and legal challenges surrounding HIV.