DOJ Sues Tennessee Over HIV Discrimination in Prostitution Law

The lawsuit alleges the state's law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by imposing harsher penalties on HIV-positive individuals.

The DOJ has filed a lawsuit against Tennessee, alleging discrimination against HIV-positive individuals through the state's aggravated prostitution law.
The lawsuit claims the law violates the Americans with Disabilities Act by imposing harsher penalties on HIV-positive sex workers, regardless of actual risk of harm.
Tennessee's law requires HIV-positive individuals convicted of aggravated prostitution to register as violent sex offenders, a requirement unique to the state.
Legislative efforts are underway in Tennessee to amend the law, with a bill passed by the Senate aiming to remove the sex offender registration requirement.
The DOJ seeks to halt the enforcement of the law, remove affected individuals from the sex offender registry, and secure compensatory damages for those adversely affected.