COVID-19: An unreasonable employer

COVID-19: An unreasonable employer

By Rosalie Hayes Last week we published some general information for employees living with HIV in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that many employers have been understanding and considerate towards their employees during these...

Islamophobia: Why Prevent is a barrier to HIV prevention

Islamophobia: Why Prevent is a barrier to HIV prevention

by Natasha Dhumma The Prevent duty is part of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy, aiming to prevent the radicalisation of individuals towards extremism. The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 requires public bodies including...

Blood donation, who are we really discriminating against?

Blood donation, who are we really discriminating against?

In my last blog I wrote about the complex matter of blood donation rules and gay men. I looked at the question of whether the rules are discriminatory – men cannot currently give blood if they have had sex with another man in the previous 12 months. The conclusion was that they are not discriminatory if they are a reasonable and evidence-based attempt to protect the safety of the blood supply. Is the 12 month deferral for gay men reasonable and evidence-based? We suspect it may no longer be so and the rules need to be reviewed to ensure no discrimination is taking place.

Blood donation and gay men – the wrong focus?

Blood donation and gay men – the wrong focus?

It’s National Blood Week and this year the call for blood donors is more urgent than ever with the announcement that the number of donors has fallen by 40% over the last 10 years. With such a crisis in donation why is it that there remains a restriction on any man giving blood who has had sex with another man in the previous 12 months? This week sees many calling for an end to such restrictions as unnecessary and discriminatory – as well as counter-productive given the shortage of donors.

Discrimination by Association or Perception to be Outlawed

Discrimination by Association or Perception to be Outlawed

Publication date

Saturday, April 4, 2009

NAT welcomes the Government's decision to ban discrimination based on association or perception.

The Government's announcement, given in a written statement by the Minister for Women and Equality Harriet Harman MP, means that for the first time people perceived to be, or associated with, someone who is HIV positive will be protected from discrimination. The change will be made in the new Equality Bill which is expected to be introduced to Parliament later this month.

Success of Petition to End HIV Discrimination in Schools

Success of Petition to End HIV Discrimination in Schools

Publication date

Monday, August 3, 2009
Over 1500 people signed up to National AIDS Trust’s (NAT) petition calling on the Government to ensure that no child or teacher is discriminated against in school because of their HIV status. After two years of campaigning this petition, which secured hundreds of supporters, played a key role in making the Government take notice. In response to the petition, the Government provided a detailed response and agreed to work with NAT on the issue.

On Human Rights Day NAT speaks out against employment discrimination

On Human Rights Day NAT speaks out against employment discrimination

Publication date

Friday, December 10, 2010
On Human Rights Day 2010 – the theme ‘human rights defenders who act to end discrimination’ – NAT calls for the Government to respect the right to work of all people with HIV in the UK.  The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights recognises at Article 6 the right to work, and at Article 2 that the right must be exercised without discrimination.

NAT urges EU to Protect People Living with HIV From Discrimination

NAT urges EU to Protect People Living with HIV From Discrimination

Publication date

Wednesday, July 2, 2008
The National AIDS Trust is calling upon the European Union to provide for the first time explicit protection from discrimination for people living with HIV from the point of diagnosis. The European Commission announced today plans for a new European equality directive. The directive will ban discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, religion and sexual orientation but the current draft does not protect people living with HIV.