In a significant legal settlement, the city of Nashville, Tennessee, has agreed to no longer automatically disqualify individuals with HIV from serving as Metropolitan Nashville Police Officers. This decision comes after a federal discrimination lawsuit was filed by a former Memphis police officer, known as John Doe, who was denied a job offer in 2020 due to his HIV status.
Despite providing a letter from his healthcare provider confirming that his HIV was effectively managed with medication and posed no risk of transmission, Nashville police cited their charter, which previously excluded candidates with HIV based on physical requirements similar to those for the U.S. Army or Navy.
As a result of the settlement, Nashville will pay John Doe $145,000 and revise its civil service medical examiner's policies. The updated policies will now require individual assessments of candidates for their health and fitness to serve as first responders or police officers, rather than blanket exclusions based on medical conditions.
Commenting on the settlement, Lambda Legal attorney Jose Abrigo emphasized the advancements in medicine that allow individuals with HIV to lead normal lives and perform any job like anyone else. He highlighted the importance of combating stigma and discrimination while aligning laws with modern scientific understanding.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Justice Department recently filed a lawsuit against Tennessee over a longstanding felony aggravated prostitution law that imposes harsher penalties on individuals living with HIV. Tennessee's unique provision of lifetime registration as a 'violent sex offender' for those convicted of engaging in sex work while HIV positive is being challenged as discriminatory and illegal.
These legal developments underscore the ongoing efforts to promote inclusivity, combat discrimination, and update laws to reflect current knowledge and societal norms. The resolution in Nashville sets a positive precedent for recognizing the capabilities and rights of individuals living with HIV in various professional fields.
