Hello,
My name is [YOUR FIRST AND LAST NAME] and I’m your constituent from [insert city and state]. I’m reaching out to urge you to stand against HIV criminalization laws in Maryland and across the nation.
HIV should NOT be a crime, but in Maryland and many other states you can be incarcerated and fined for living with HIV. Most of these laws, including Maryland’s own harmful law Health-Gen Code §18-601.1, were enacted decades ago and have not been updated to reflect medical advances in HIV treatment and prevention. We can end Maryland’s HIV epidemic, but our state’s outdated HIV laws are holding us back. Laws like §18-601.1 perpetuate stigma and discourage testing and treatment. It’s long past time to remove these stigmatizing barriers that frustrate our public health goals.
I’m calling on you, [Representative’s name], to repeal MD Health-Gen Code § 18-601.1, which criminalizes HIV, and to stand up for those who have been victimized for their HIV status and proudly declare that HIV IS NOT A CRIME.
Sincerely,
[your first and last name]
Your constituent