http://www.hrc.org/issues/hiv_aids/updates.asp
HRC
Expresses Concerns Over Model Health Emergency Bill
The Human Rights Campaign recently sent a letter to state-level officials
highlighting the need to keep safe the civil liberties of people living with
HIV/AIDS. It came in response to the recent distribution by the federal Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention of model state legislation related to the
threat of bioterrorism in the wake of the September 11 attacks. The model
legislation aims to ensure that governors and local state health officials have
the necessary power to respond to smallpox and other related outbreaks
resulting from bioterrorism. Specifically, HRC has concerns about a broad
definition of "public health emergency" in the model legislation.
HRC sent the attached letter to 50 state governors, state health officials,
state legislative leaders and other interested parties, urging them to ensure
than any emergency health powers measures about bioterrorism threats include
clear definitions of what constitutes an appropriate basis for the
establishment of a public health emergency and that is does not justify
isolating or quarantining persons living with HIV/AIDS.
To read HRC's letter, see:
http://www.hrc.org/eq_updates/letters/011210mh.asp
To read the model legislation, see:
http://www.publichealthlaw.net/MSEHPA/MSEHPA.pdf
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