El-Sayed Advocates for HIV Law Repeal, Supports Reforms
Michigan Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed once criticized HIV disclosure laws as discriminatory, now supports reformed versions.
2 min read
A Michigan Democratic Senate nominee, Abdul El-Sayed, once called for the repeal of a law criminalizing sex without disclosure of a known HIV infection, labeling it ‘hateful’ and ‘discriminatory.’ In 2018, during his unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign, El-Sayed argued that criminalizing individuals for having HIV was fundamentally wrong and stigmatizing.
Historical Context of the HIV Law
The law, dating back to 1988, originally carried felony charges for individuals who knowingly had HIV and engaged in sexual activity without disclosure. These charges could result in up to four years in prison. In 2018, then-Governor Rick Snyder, a Republican, signed reforms that narrowed the scope of the law, limiting felony charges to cases involving intentional transmission or actual transmission of HIV. The reforms also reduced some offenses to misdemeanors and provided protections for individuals with medically suppressed HIV.
El-Sayed’s Stance on Reforms
Responding to his past comments, El-Sayed’s campaign reaffirmed his belief that the previous law was discriminatory but stated that he supports the reformed version. A campaign spokesperson, Roxie Richner, emphasized that El-Sayed backs the bipartisan reform bill passed in 2019, which eliminated the discriminatory aspects of the law. As a public health professional, El-Sayed has also advocated for programs aimed at preventing the spread of HIV and other diseases.
Recent Scrutiny of El-Sayed’s Past
El-Sayed’s past positions have come under renewed scrutiny in recent months. A report by the Washington Free Beacon resurfaced a 2012 letter he signed supporting then-Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, a senior Muslim Brotherhood figure, which called for purging the media and police. This came shortly before Morsi’s government cracked down on journalists. Additionally, El-Sayed has faced criticism for his association with anti-American streamer Hasan Piker, with whom he campaigned during the Democratic primary. Piker has made controversial statements about the United States, including expressing support for the 9/11 attacks and calling for the destruction of the white race.
El-Sayed’s Response to Criticism
El-Sayed has refused to disavow Piker, despite the controversy surrounding the streamer’s remarks. His campaign has focused on highlighting his work in public health and his commitment to reforming discriminatory laws, while downplaying the recent controversies in his political career.
Source: Daily Wire
