Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee made waves in early 2023, when he rejected millions of dollars in federal HIV prevention programming. Since then, the state has been replacing that money, but that new process is already causing damage, according to public health experts.
Tennessee will remove HIV-positive people convicted of sex work from violent sex offender list
HIV-positive people who were convicted in Tennessee of sex work under a decades-old aggravated prostitution law will no longer be required to face a lifetime registration as a “violent sex offender” under a lawsuit settlement finalized last week.
Being HIV-positive will no longer automatically disqualify Nashville police candidates
A former Memphis officer of the year sued the city of Nashville last year. Using the pseudonym John Doe, he claimed Nashville police discriminated against him in 2020 when they rescinded a job offer upon learning that he had HIV.
DOJ sues Tennessee over law targeting people with HIV
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Tennessee over a statute that imposes harsher penalties against those living with HIV.
DOJ orders Tennessee to stop enforcing a statute, finding that it discriminates against people with HIV
Under Tennessee’s aggravated prostitution law, people convicted of conducting sex work with HIV are put on the “violent sex offenders” list for life. The DOJ found the policy violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
What Tennessee’s rejection of federal HIV testing, prevention funds means for Nashville
In this episode, we look into the why the state made this decision and talk to physicians and health advocates about potential long-term consequences.
Tennessee’s new health chief dodges grilling over dropped HIV funding
Tennessee’s new commissioner of health made his first appearance before a legislative committee Wednesday, though the Republican chairman warned members not to question Dr. Ralph Alvarado about HIV funding.
What we know a week after Tennessee rejected federal HIV funding
It’s become increasingly clear that Tennessee’s rejection of federal funding for HIV prevention targets Planned Parenthood, which received some of the money for condom distribution. The state also says it plans to keep spending on HIV prevention, but prioritize HIV prevention for victims of human trafficking, first responders, mothers and children.
Basic HIV testing and treatment in Nashville is being threatened by an unexplained state funding cut
Some basic testing and treatment for HIV could vanish in Nashville after the state decided to stop accepting a big grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Millions of dollars flow through the United Way of Greater Nashville to smaller local nonprofits.
On this World Aids Day, we look at the legacy of a Nashville advocate for those living with HIV
Much has changed about the prevention and treatment of AIDS, but there’s still work to do. That’s why local artist and health educator Cynthia Harris wrote the play, “The Calling is in the Body.”
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