Los Angeles Outlaws A.I.D.S. Discrimination (Press, 16 August 1985)

On 15 August 1985, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a significant bill aimed at combating discrimination against individuals diagnosed with A.I.D.S. This legislation, one of the first of its kind in the United States, is anticipated to receive swift approval from Mayor Tom Bradley. The new law establishes penalties of up to six months of imprisonment for employers who dismiss employees, refuse to hire individuals, or segregate those with A.I.D.S. Additionally, landlords who deny rental accommodations or attempt to evict A.I.D.S. patients will face similar consequences. Medical practitioners could also face imprisonment if they deny necessary health, dental, or convalescent care to anyone diagnosed with A.I.D.S. or suspected to have the disease. This move comes in light of predictions from medical experts in California, which estimate that A.I.D.S. cases across the United States could reach 70,000 within two years, with 14,000 cases projected for California alone. High-risk groups identified include male homosexuals, drug users, and haemophiliacs. The legislation includes an escape clause stating that its regulations would not apply if public health or safety is at risk. It allows for fines of up to US$10,000 (approximately NZ$18,870), alongside potential jail sentences. Dr Shirley Fannin, head of the city’s communicable disease control unit, reassured the council that A.I.D.S. cannot be spread through casual contact, dispelling public concerns surrounding the disease. Councillor Marvin Braude emphasized the importance of civilised behaviour, stating, “If we want to be a civilised society, we must act like a civilised society.” The bill passed with a vote of 14 to 0. However, the measure faced backlash, as councillor Zev Yaroslavsky reported receiving threatening phone calls related to his support of the bill. He remarked, “I just wish the people who call would leave their telephone numbers.” The bill's sponsor, Joel Wachs, highlighted the urgency of the legislation, stating that individuals grappling with the harsh realities of A.I.D.S. are encountering societal rejection, akin to being treated like lepers. Furthermore, a similar anti-discrimination measure is pending in West Hollywood, a city notable for having a council with a majority of homosexual members. This legislation marks a vital step toward protecting the rights and dignity of those living with A.I.D.S. in Los Angeles.

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