As part of his State of the Union address Tuesday night, President Trump announced a ten-year plan to end HIV as an epidemic in the United States by 2030.

We agree with the President that now is the time to take intentional steps towards ending HIV transmission through tools such as: U=U, PrEP, and rapid treatment for people diagnosed with HIV. However this administration has targeted communities in ways that worsen the U.S. epidemic, including cuts to the Affordable Care Act, budget cuts in HIV research, and attacking the human rights and safety of transgender people.

The four key strategies outlined by Ending the HIV Epidemic: A Plan for America, Diagnose, Treat, Protect, and Respond reflect how far science has advanced in preventing new HIV infections. We are committed to monitor this plan and push for inclusivity in ending the epidemic.

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In Nebraska, we have several current legislative opportunities to advance overall health and wellbeing for our community. While these initiatives do not address HIV directly, these important bills provide protections to the LGBTQ communities, which are disproportionately affected by the HIV epidemic.

LB 167 & LB 168 – Conversion therapy

• Ban advertising and profiting of conversion therapy statewide
  • Conversion therapy means practices or treatments that seek to change an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity, including efforts to change behaviors or gender expression or to eliminate or reduce sexual or romantic attractions or feelings toward individuals of the same gender.
  • This does not including counseling that provides acceptance, support, and understanding of an individual
• Classify placing a minor in conversion therapy as child abuse

LB 627 – Prohibit Employment Discrimination

• Gender identity and expression and sexual orientation will be protected classes, prohibiting employment discrimination

Nebraska AIDS Project is submitting letters in support of both of these legislative bills.

Both of these bills are scheduled for hearings on Thursday, February 7^th at 1:30 pm with the Judiciary committee.
We urge you to contact your senator and testify in support of these bills.