New Pennsylvania law will decriminalize HIV felony charge in prostitution cases

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) — A new Pennsylvania law will eliminate felony charges for prostitutes who knowingly had HIV at the time.

Rep. Ben Waxman (D-Philadelphia), who co-sponsored the legislation to change the law, described it as “outdated” and “inhumane.”

“Today, HIV is a manageable condition that can be treated and controlled with medication,” Waxman said in a release. “With a regimen of antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV can live long, productive and healthy lives and reduce transmission. We cannot criminalize anyone for their health status; it’s simply inhumane.”

The old law was able to elevate a misdemeanor prostitution charge to a third-degree felony charge.

“Decriminalizing HIV helps break the stigma associated with the diagnosis and brings us closer to a legal framework based on science — not subjective morality,” Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia), who co-sponsored the legislation, said.