Features

NAT’s policy update

Recognising the importance of policy work PN asked the National AIDS Trust to highlight their current work.

This column will keep you up-to-date with what’s going on in UK policy but it’s also a chance for us to hear your views. We hope this will be the start of a conversation and we’re asking you to get in touch with us.

In recent years changes in the law and in national policy have had a direct impact on the lives of many people living with HIV. Throughout it all NAT has been working to get the best result for people living with HIV by liaising with policy makers, bringing together experts, shining the spotlight on bad policy and campaigning for change.
Increasingly much of our work involves protecting equality and rights which is the focus of this issue’s column.

Taking a Stand Against Hate Crime
Hate crime, from vandalism, abuse to serious assault, is HIV prejudice at its most extreme. Since 2003 English and Welsh law has made hate crime on the grounds of race, sexuality or disability an aggravating factor for sentencing. However victims of HIV-related hate crime are not protected in this way.

“We are asking the Government to send out a message that HIV-related hate crime is unacceptable by changing the law to ensure people living with HIV are given the same protection as others.”

We are asking the Government to send out a message that HIV-related hate crime is unacceptable by changing the law to ensure people living with HIV are given the same protection as others. And we working to ensure new Scottish legislation also recognises HIV-related hate crime.

If hate crime has affected your life please tell us your story, it will be treated in strict confident and can be anonymous.

Protecting Civil Liberties
The new Health and Social Care Bill will give local authorities and magistrates powers including detention, medical examination and quarantine if they believe someone is a risk to public health. NAT was concerned the bill could subject people living with HIV to powers intended for highly contagious diseases such as SARS and bird flu. With the support of Baroness Gould, we took our concerns to the House of Lords and Department of Health (DH).

The DH has agreed that the powers be strictly monitored and we are working with them to create a central monitoring system. The system will detect any inappropriate use of the powers. We have also argued that local authorities have a duty to ensure anyone subjected to these powers understands their rights and has access to independent advice.

We are delighted that our pressure means this bill will not subject people living with HIV to undue restrictions on their civil liberties.
These are just two of the issues on our agenda at the moment. If any of these strike a chord with you then please share your opinion by writing to:

Policy Team, National AIDS Trust, New City Cloisters, 196 Old Street, London EC1V 9FR Or emailing policyandcampaigns@nat.org.uk

I’m looking forward to hearing from some of you! PN

THE IN-TRAY

Other issues at the top of the NAT’s intray:
Explaining CPS Guidelines on Criminal Prosecutions
Guidelines on the prosecution for sexual transmission of infection have been published. NAT is producing resources which explain what this means for people living with HIV and for lawyers.

Housing
The housing needs of people living with HIV can often be overlooked. NAT is putting together advice for housing professionals to make sure the needs are understood and given due attention.

Asylum & Health Tourism
Does HIV health tourism exist? NAT will be reviewing the evidence and challenging some of the myths which are frequently reported in the media.

Tackling Discrimination in Schools
Some children living with HIV face discrimination at their school. We are lobbying the Department for Children Schools and Families to tackle this issue and asking people living with HIV to encourage teaching about HIV in their local school.