New Louisiana Law Could Make Intentionally Spreading STDs a Crime

(KPEL)—Louisiana may soon see a new law that would make it a crime to spread any sexually transmitted disease intentionally.

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We thought this was already punishable in Louisiana, but it turns out it varies by state, and currently, Louisiana doesn't have any laws in place to protect against such crimes other than HIV.

The controversial law mandates 10 years in prison and 15 years on the sex offender registry if convicted of exposing someone to HIV, not to mention it is considered a felony.

Over 30 states have laws that focus on the intentional spreading of HIV specifically, while states like Kansas and Minnesota have included various other STDs.

Soon, Louisiana may have a law that will make spreading any sexually transmitted disease punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

New Louisiana Law Could Make Intentionally Spreading STDs a Crime

House Bill 76 was filed by State Rep. Pat Moore (D-Monroe) after hearing from a Louisiana woman who contracted genital herpes from her husband, who had not been honest about contracting the STD while having an affair.

The Advocate reports that critics who oppose HB 76 think it will be nearly impossible to prove that someone intentionally spread the STD or had prior knowledge that they were infected.

Additionally, Louisiana doesn't have any similar laws that criminalize spreading other diseases or illnesses.

Critics Respond To New Law Proposing Criminal Punishment For Spreading STDs Intentionally in Louisiana

An infectious disease epidemiologist at Tulane University, Patty Kissinger, is on the opposing side.

She believes criminalizing STDs increases the already existing stigma. Kissinger wonders how the legal system could prove that an individual intentionally infected someone, asking, "What if I had a cold, and I shook hands with somebody?"

Under this new law, exposing someone, which is defined as sexual intercourse, needle sharing, donating blood or any bodily fluids would be publishable by up to 10 years or a fine of $5,000.

Even exposing someone to a curable STD such as chlamydia would be considered a misdemeanor. Those convicted could face 6 months behind bars and a $1,000 fine.

However, if both individuals are aware of the STD, it would not be considered a crime.

Do the pros outweigh the cons? Or is HB 76 outdated?

Read more here.