Decriminalising HIV
If a condom breaks is it a crime? According to Victorian criminal law, it may constitute a crime, equivalent to murder. If a person infects another, they may be prosecuted under section section 19a of the Victoria’s Crimes Act, and face 25 years in jail. Victoria is the only state with such a law, but in an announcement this week at the International AIDS Conference being held in Melbourne, the law will be amended. HIV infection rates are on the increase in Australia, and experts attending the 20th International AIDS conference in Melbourne this week, were surprised at announcement by the Victorian Health minister. Public health experts seem to agree that this is a move in the right direction. Victoria’s crimes act is unique among Australian states, with a specific law in place to prosecute those who infect others with HIV. Health minister David Davis has announced the Crimes act will be amended, in an effort to improve public health.