In Canada, the same laws are used to prosecute rapists and people living with HIV who do not tell sexual partners about their status. Why is this the case? Why are feminists so divided on this issue and how are women responding?

Join the Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network for a provocative panel discussion on the criminalization of HIV non-disclosure as sexual assault.

Speakers:

Saara Greene - Criminilization's creep into the daily lives of women living with HIV

Saara Greene is an associate professor in the McMaster University School of Social Work. With the funding support of CIHR and the OHTN, Saara’s main area of research concentrates on the experiences of women living with HIV with a goal toward identifying and addressing sites of structural and systemic oppression while at the same time publicizing powerful representations of mothers living with HIV. Currently, Saara’s research is focusing on the ways that the criminalization of HIV is taken up by women living with HIV and the impact this has on their daily lives.

Joanna Birenbaum - Why is it difficult for feminists to take a common position on criminalizing HIV non-disclosure?

Joanna Birenbaum is a litigator specializing in equality and human rights, professional discipline, employment law, workplace investigations and domestic violence and sexual assault law. Joanna’s diverse practice experience also includes commercial and estates litigation, Ontario Municipal Board, Alcohol and Gaming Commission and other administrative tribunal hearings, and Aboriginal and treaty rights litigation and advocacy.

Beri Hull - Women living with HIV and advocacy on criminalization of HIV non-disclosure

Beri Hull is the Global Advocacy Officer for the International Community of Women Living with HIV and AIDS (ICW). Beri began as an advocate for harm reduction and people living with HIV. In the beginning her focus was geared more towards preventing HIV but later shifted toward care, holistic health, treatment, human rights, improving quality of life, and longevity for people living with HIV worldwide. Beri is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, where she was born and raised.

Date: Thursday, April 24, 2014

Time: 6:30-9:00 p.m.

Reception with light refreshments and cash bar to follow.

Sponsors:

Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network

York University, Department of Sociology

University of Toronto Journal of Law & Equality