Virginia Court Strikes Down Military Ban on HIV-Positive Enlistees

Aug 22, 2024, 04:35 PM

A U.S. District Court in Virginia has struck down the last remaining policy that categorically barred individuals living with HIV from enlisting in the military. The decision, stemming from a case filed by Lambda Legal against the Department of Defense in 2022, marks a significant shift in military policy by allowing asymptomatic HIV-positive individuals to enlist, serve, and be promoted. The ruling emphasizes the importance of current scientific evidence regarding HIV treatment and transmission, particularly for those with undetectable viral loads. This decision has been met with approval from advocates and some lawmakers, who see it as a step towards ensuring fairness and justice in military policies.