HIV

(Washington, D.C., February 24, 2005) — The United States Department of State illegally prohibits anyone with HIV from being hired as a Foreign Service Officer, regardless of the applicant's qualifications or health status, Lambda Legal will argue in federal court Friday. In Lambda Legal's federal lawsuit seeking to remove the ban on Foreign Service applicants with HIV, leading health experts have filed papers supporting a medically justified approach for assessing Foreign Service applicants. 

(NEW YORK, December 28, 1999) —With the new year, momentum toward fairness and equality for lesbians, gay men, and people with HIV has never been greater, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said, pointing to major developments that include its unprecedented role before the United States Supreme Court.

(Washington, D.C., April 21, 2005) — Lambda Legal says that a new policy in the Department of Veterans Affairs directing VA hospitals nationwide to evaluate on a case-by-case basis veterans who have HIV and need organ transplants may save hundreds of lives over the coming years.

“After working closely with officials in the department, we’re pleased that the VA has made this move–the policy is backed by solid scientific data and could save hundreds of lives,” said Jon Givner, Director of Lambda Legal’s HIV Project.

(NEW YORK) — Texas Gov. George W. Bush flunked and Vice President Al Gore did just slightly better on the annual World AIDS Day Report Card released by Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund in advance of the December 1 worldwide observance.

"World AIDS Day is an opportunity to assess efforts against AIDS," said Lambda Executive Director Kevin M. Cathcart, referring to the commemoration set for Wednesday. "This year, we find hope in a national resurgence of activism. But people's lives continue to be endangered by callous and compromising public officials," he said.

(Jackson, MS, July 20, 2005) — Lambda Legal today filed a brief in the Chancery Court of Jackson County on behalf of a Mississippi mother who has been barred from allowing her children to have contact with their aunt because she has HIV.

Lambda Legal represents Keri Rowell, who was granted an extension of the temporary custody of her three children contingent upon their being denied physical contact with their aunt, Tanya Wilkins, because she has HIV. Rowell wishes to live with her sister but is unable to do so as a result of the restriction.

(NEW YORK, June 23, 1999) -- Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund expressed disappointment Wednesday over three United States Supreme Court decisions that substantially limit the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

(NEW YORK, June 9, 1999) -- Federal civil rights for people with disabilities will be tested when the United States Supreme Court issues three much-anticipated rulings about the reach of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said Wednesday.

"An alarming Catch-22 binds these three cases together," said Catherine Hanssens, director of Lambda's AIDS Project.

(CHICAGO, June 3, 1999) In a decision with implications for many health insurance policies, a divided federal appeals court overturned a ruling that had struck down drastic restrictions on coverage for two Chicago men with HIV, despite a mountain of evidence showing there is no need for such discriminatory caps.

(NEW YORK, April 20, 1999) -- Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund said Tuesday that upcoming hearings in three cases before the United States Supreme Court are major tests of federal civil rights protections provided people with HIV and AIDS.