 LGBT and HIV-positive individuals often experience unique
difficulties when dealing with the criminal justice and immigration
systems. At best, these institutions are poorly designed to accommodate
and serve the needs of GLAD's community. At worst, they are overtly and
deliberately hostile.
Antiquated anti-gay "sodomy" laws have been struck down, but other
criminal laws related to sex -- statutes that may be neutral on their
face are often enforced in a discriminatory way against gay men. In
prison, LGBT individuals are frequently targeted for mistreatment and
physical or sexual attacks. Prison officials may participate in such
abuse, turn their backs on it, or lack institutional tools to
adequately protect LGBT inmates. Transgender inmates and people with
HIV may face additional difficulties gaining access to appropriate
medical treatment. With respect to immigration, current policy creates
barriers for people with HIV and puts obstacles in the way of LGBT
bi-national families trying to stay together, even as it gives a leg up
to other families.
Immigration and criminal law can be bewilderingly complex and
stressful. Though this area is not the primary focus of GLAD's work, it
can effect LGBT and HIV-positive people in dramatic ways. Because of
this, GLAD makes every effort to provide people with resources and
connections with experts in the field.
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Criminal Sex Laws
and Police Harrassment Overviews by State:
CT
, MA , ME , NH , RI , VT |
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