Non-Discrimination
Your right to fair and equal treatment regardless of HIV status
Protection Against Discrimination
Several laws protect people living with HIV from discrimination:
Areas Protected from Discrimination
Employers cannot discriminate against you based on your HIV status in hiring, firing, promotions, or workplace conditions. You cannot be required to take an HIV test as a condition of employment.
Landlords, real estate agents, and housing providers cannot refuse to rent or sell to you, evict you, or change your housing terms because of your HIV status.
Healthcare providers cannot refuse to treat you or provide inferior care based on your HIV status. This includes hospitals, clinics, doctors' offices, dentists, and other medical facilities.
Schools and educational institutions cannot exclude you from programs, activities, or benefits because of your HIV status. This applies to public and private schools at all levels.
Legal Protections
- The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- The Fair Housing Act
- The Rehabilitation Act
- State and local anti-discrimination laws
Taking Action
- Document all instances of potential discrimination
- File complaints with appropriate government agencies
- Seek legal assistance from HIV/AIDS legal services
- Know that retaliation for filing a complaint is also illegal
- Document all instances of potential discrimination
- File complaints with appropriate government agencies
- Seek legal assistance from HIV/AIDS legal services
- Know that retaliation for filing a complaint is also illegal