USA - Alaska
- Criminalisation of HIV transmission/exposure
- Other laws and policies with an impact on responses to HIV
Criminalisation of HIV transmission/exposure
Alaska Stat. §12.55.155(c)(33)
The sentencing court may impose a sentence above the presumptive range ifthe offense was a felony sexual offense specified in Alaska Stat. §§11.41.410-11.41.455 and the following factors are proven in accordancewith this section: the defendant had been previously diagnosed as having orhaving tested positive for HIV, and the offense either (A) involvedpenetration, or (B) exposed the victim to a risk or a fear that the offense could result in the transmission of HIV.
Aggravating factor, involv[ing] penetration, exposed…to a risk or fear [that sexual offence] could result in transmission
In 1996, a man’s HIV-positive status was considered an “aggravating factor,” and he was sentenced to ten years for sexual abuse of a minor. On appeal, the court affirmed the lower court’s sentencing because the defendant knew he had HIV at the time of the sexual conduct with the minor, didn’t disclose his status, and didn’t take any measures to protect her from HIV. The court found that even though the minor provided a condom that was used for the second sexual encounter, and the minor had thus far tested negative for HIV, it was “safe to infer that [the minor] will be very fearful for some time to come” that she may test positive for HIV. The court determined that such considerations supported an enhanced sentence.
Excerpted from: Positive Justice Project. Ending & Defending Against HIV Criminalization, A Manual For Advocates: Vol 1 States and Federal Laws and Prosecutions. Center for HIV Law and Policy, New York. Fall 2010 (with additional laws and cases through December 2011)
Alaska has no statute explicitly criminalising HIV transmission or exposure, but enhanced sentencing may be applicable based on a defendant’s HIV status if she/he is found guilty of one of the specified sex offenses.
Information obtained from: Positive Justice Project. Ending & Defending Against HIV Criminalization, A Manual For Advocates: Vol 1 States and Federal Laws and Prosecutions. Center for HIV Law and Policy, New York. Fall 2010 (with additional laws and cases through December 2011)
Positive Justice Project. Ending & Defending Against HIV Criminalization, A Manual For Advocates: Vol 1 States and Federal Laws and Prosecutions. Center for HIV Law and Policy, New York. Fall 2010 (with additional laws and cases through December 2011).
Other laws and policies with an impact on responses to HIV
U.S. President Barack Obama has announced that all current restrictions affecting people with HIV from entering or migrating to the United States are lifted as of January 4, 2010. The final rule was published in the Federal Registry November 2, 2009. It stated: "As a result of this final rule, aliens will no longer be inadmissible into the United States based solely on the ground they are infected with HIV, and they will not be required to undergo HIV testing as part of the required medical examination for U.S. immigration."
New instructions are being provided to panel physicians and civil surgeons who administer medical exams as for immigration purposes, but it may take time until they are all aware of the change, so residency seekers should be prepared. The revised instructions can be found at: www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dq/technica.htm
From January 4, 2010, people living with HIV can enter the U.S. like anybody else.
Guidance on the new rule is published here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegrams/telegrams_4631.html and an HIV Travel and Immigration FAQ brochure is available for download in English and Spanish here: http://immigrationequality.org/template.php?pageid=176.
Important note for visitors under the visa waiver program (for countries where a visa is not required to travel to the USA) and are living with HIV, please note that HIV is no longer considered a communicable disease for entry purposes. When submitting the online ESTA form to clear your entry to the U.S., it is important that you do check „no“ for the question about communicable diseases. HIV is no longer considered as such by the U.S. authorities.
Customs regulations require people entering with prescription medication like antiretroviral drugs to carry a doctor’s certificate in English, stating that the drugs are required to treat a personal condition. This requirement applies to all prescription drugs.
Medication should always be carried in hand luggage, as checked luggage may be delayed or get lost. If you are carrying-on liquid medication exceeding 3 ounces / 100 ml, you must declare it at the checkpoint for inspection.
For updated information, please go to: www.hivrestrictions.org
Male to Male relationships: Legal
Female to Female Relationships: Legal
Age of consent: Equal for heterosexuals and homosexuals
Marriage and Substitutes for Marriage: Marriage laws vary in this country depending on area
For updated information, please go to: http://ilga.org