Did you know that New York still has a law that makes it a misdemeanor for a person who knows they have an STI to engage in sexual intercourse? Even having consensual sex with your spouse could brand you a sex offender!

This outdated law, Public Health Law §2307, fuels stigma, discourages testing, and undermines public health. It treats a health condition as a criminal matter.

This year, the New York State Senate passed the REPEAL STI Discrimination Act, which would repeal this harmful law. Unfortunately, Carl Heastie, the Speaker of the Assembly, never let the bill move to the floor for a vote.

We are not giving up.

To help build public awareness and pressure lawmakers to act, we have launched a petition calling for the repeal of New York’s STI criminalization law and for Assembly leadership to bring this legislation back for a vote.

How you can help right now:

• Sign the petition.

• Share the petition on social media.

• Forward the petition to friends, family, colleagues, and community organizers.

• Call Speaker Carl Heastie’s office 1-718-654-6539 and urge him to support bringing the REPEAL STI Discrimination Act to the Assembly floor.

• Organize by bringing this issue into your local networks and coalitions.

For decades, ACT UP has fought laws and policies rooted in fear, stigma, and misinformation. STI criminalization is no different.

Public health works when people feel safe getting tested, seeking treatment, and accessing care. Criminalization pushes people away from all three.

Public Health, Not Punishment.

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About ACT UP

Founded in 1987, ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), is a diverse, non-partisan group of individuals united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis. ACT UP currently meets every Monday night at 7PM ET via Zoom. Notes: you will be asked to contribute your first & last name and email address to access online meetings, and KN-95 masks are required for ACT UP NY in person meetings/actions/gatherings. All individuals are welcome!

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