Illinois Becomes Second State To Repeal HIV Criminalization Law

“It means a tremendous deal to me and others impacted by the former law,” said Timothy Jackson. “We can now breathe a sigh of relief.”

By Stephanie Kim
Illinois Becomes Second State To Repeal HIV Criminalization Law
In this June 5, 2019, file photo, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the state budget and legislation related to a graduated income tax in Illinois, during a bill signing at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. Gov. Pritzker signed a HIV decriminalization bill Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Amr Alfiky / AP Photo
Illinois Becomes Second State To Repeal HIV Criminalization Law
In this June 5, 2019, file photo, Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the state budget and legislation related to a graduated income tax in Illinois, during a bill signing at the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. Gov. Pritzker signed a HIV decriminalization bill Tuesday, July 27, 2021. Amr Alfiky / AP Photo

Illinois Becomes Second State To Repeal HIV Criminalization Law

“It means a tremendous deal to me and others impacted by the former law,” said Timothy Jackson. “We can now breathe a sigh of relief.”

By Stephanie Kim
WBEZ brings you fact-based news and information. Sign up for our newsletters to stay up to date on the stories that matter.

Illinois is now the second state to completely reverse its HIV criminalization law. Gov. JB Pritzker repealed the 32-year-old statute Tuesday when he signed three other bills into law that aim to advance the rights of the LGBTQ+ community.

Reset discusses what this move means for the state and those impacted by HIV criminalization.

GUESTS: Adam Rhodes, social justice reporter for the Chicago Reader

Timothy Jackson, director of government relations for AIDS Foundation of Chicago