HIV/AIDS vilification

What is HIV/AIDS vilification?

HIV/AIDS vilification is against the law. It is a public act that could incite hatred, serious contempt or severe ridicule towards people who have HIV or AIDS.  

Public acts include:

• communications that can be seen or heard by the public (this includes print, radio, video or online) 
• signs, flags or clothing that could be seen by the public 
  
• distributing and sharing information to the public. 
  

What can I do if I experience HIV/AIDS vilification?

If you feel you have been vilified, you can contact us to make a complaint.

If you are unsure if you have experienced HIV/AIDS vilification or need more information, you can contact our enquiry service. 

Public acts that threaten or incite violence

Any public act that threatens or incites violence towards a person or group of persons on the basis of their race, religious belief or affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, intersex status or HIV/AIDS status is a criminal offence that should be referred to the police.

Complaint case studies