SIGN THIS PETITION

  • Why are you signing? Add a reason (optional)
    SIGN
    By signing, you accept Change.org's terms of service
Help / Feedback • Press Inquiries
Let's make the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS a felony in Maryland
  1. Signatures
    621 out of 1,000
    Petitioning
    1. The Governor of MD (+ 5 others)
      Petitioning
      close
      • The Governor of MD
      • The MD State Senate
      • The MD State House
      • Maryland State Legislature
      • Governor Martin J. O'Malley
      • Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown
  2. Created By
    Velma Dinkely
    Baltimore, MD
About this Petition Petition Letter Petition Updates
Why This Is Important

According to the Maryland Department of Infectious Disease and Environmental Science, as of December 31, 2009, State of Maryland ranked 9th in the country of highest rates of HIV/AIDS cases. The Baltimore-Towson area specifically had the 10th highest estimated AIDS diagnosis rate in ANY major metropolitan area. With these alarmingly high rates, it is time that we as citizens take a stand to protect our community.

As of today, the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS is only a misdemeanor in Maryland; punishable by up to 3 years of prison and up to a $2,500 fine.

This is a clear case where the consequences of the crime far exceed the punishment.

With the recent advances in medication HIV/AIDS is no longer the death sentence it used to be BUT it remains an incurable disease that requires intensive medical attention and costly medication for the rest of the carrier’s life.

The purpose of this petition is to encourage our Maryland State Legislature to increase the penalty for the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS in Maryland from a misdemeanor to a felony. Many states have already enacted felony laws against the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS. These states include California, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Nevada etc.

Let's come together and make Maryland the next in line to make the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS a felony. No one who intentionally transmits this disease should be able to walk the streets of our beautiful state endangering our community.

We have state funded resources that assist our fellow citizens who have HIV/AIDS in order to help them maintain a comfortable quality of life. Why should someone that is intentionally spreading this disease be able to take part in these resources?

It is our responsibility as citizens of Maryland to demand stricter punishments for individuals who knowingly and purposefully spread potentially deadly disease throughout our community. Please sign this petition to stand up for the victims.

Why People Are Signing
Recent Signatures

Make the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS a felony in Maryland

Greetings,

I just signed the following petition addressed to: Maryland State Legislature.

----------------
Make the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS a felony in Maryland

According to the Maryland Department of Infectious Disease and Environmental Science, as of December 31, 2009, State of Maryland ranked 9th in the country of highest rates of HIV/AIDS cases. The Baltimore-Towson area specifically had the 10th highest estimated AIDS diagnosis rate in ANY major metropolitan area. With these alarmingly high rates, it is time that we as citizens take a stand to protect our community.

As of today, the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS is only a misdemeanor in Maryland; punishable by up to 3 years of prison and up to a $2,500 fine.

This is a clear case where the consequences of the crime far exceed the punishment.

With the recent advances in medication HIV/AIDS is no longer the death sentence it used to be BUT it remains an incurable disease that requires intensive medical attention and costly medication for the rest of the carrier’s life.

The purpose of this petition is to encourage our Maryland State Legislature to increase the penalty for the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS in Maryland from a misdemeanor to a felony. Many states have already enacted felony laws against the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS. These states include California, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, and Nevada etc.

Let's come together and make Maryland the next in line to make the intentional transmission of HIV/AIDS a felony. No one who intentionally transmits this disease should be able to walk the streets of our beautiful state endangering our community.

We have state funded resources that assist our fellow citizens who have HIV/AIDS in order to help them maintain a comfortable quality of life. Why should someone that is intentionally spreading this disease be able to take part in these resources?

It is our responsibility as citizens of Maryland to demand stricter punishments for individuals who knowingly and purposefully spread potentially deadly disease throughout our community. Please sign this petition to stand up for the victims.


----------------

Sincerely,

[Your name]