Biden’s DOJ sues Tennessee over HIV-positive sex workers’ protection
Is the Biden Administration Prioritizing Radical Social Agenda Over Justice?
In every state, intentionally injuring someone is a crime, just like shooting or stabbing them without justification. This is why intentionally infecting someone with a disease, including sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), has long been considered a crime in most states. The consequences of an STD can be just as long-lasting and deadly as physical harm.
However, it seems that the Biden administration disagrees. Led by radical Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division is suing Tennessee for attempting to enforce a statute designed to protect the public from HIV-positive prostitutes.
According to Clarke and her team, Tennessee’s attempt to protect its citizens is actually thinly veiled discrimination that violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Radical Left’s Influence in the Justice Department
The individuals behind this lawsuit against Tennessee, including Clarke, have connections to the radical Left. They have worked for organizations that support the far-Left’s pet projects. For example, Stephanie Berger previously worked for the Empire State Pride Agenda, which disbanded after New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed an executive order protecting transgender rights. Ali Szemanski has worked or interned for various civil rights organizations.
These connections to the radical Left should come as no surprise. The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division has long had a problem with politicized and left-leaning hiring practices. It seems that only a full embrace of the far-Left’s worldview can explain the filing of this otherwise inexplicable lawsuit.
Tennessee’s Aggravated Prostitution Statute
Tennessee’s aggravated prostitution statute, passed in 1991 during the AIDS epidemic, imposes harsher penalties on individuals who engage in prostitution while knowing they are infected with HIV. The Biden Justice Department argues that this is discrimination based solely on HIV-positive status and does not require individualized determinations for conviction.
However, this argument falls short. Prosecuting an alcoholic for driving under the influence or a drug addict for drug possession is not considered discrimination. Tennessee is not targeting the HIV population at large but rather those who engage in prostitution while knowingly infected, where the transmission risk is higher.
The Justice Department’s weak legal argument is based on the belief that there has been significant progress in understanding and treating HIV since the statute’s passage. While this may be true, it depends on following proper protocols for medication and treatment. Tennessee’s enforcement of the statute is aimed at protecting the community from the higher risk posed by HIV-positive individuals engaged in prostitution.
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Justice or Extortion?
The Justice Department filing highlights a transgender woman, referred to as “Complainant A,” as a victim of Tennessee’s law. This individual knowingly had HIV and engaged in prostitution near a church or school. Tennessee charged her with aggravated prostitution, leading to sex-offender registration requirements and other consequences.
By simply enforcing the law, Tennessee is now accused of discrimination. The Justice Department seeks to prohibit further enforcement, remove individuals from the sex-offender registry, terminate reporting requirements, expunge records, and provide compensatory damages to Complainant A and others deemed harmed.
With numerous challenges facing the Biden administration, their dedication to advancing a radical social agenda through extortion is astonishing. Americans deserve better from a department that should prioritize justice. Enough is enough.
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Zack Smith is a legal fellow in the Heritage Foundation’s Meese Center for Legal and Judicial Studies.
The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Daily Wire.
How does Tennessee’s statute on the transmission of diseases balance punishment, rehabilitation, and prevention?
The risk of transmitting the disease is significantly higher. It is a matter of public health and safety.
Furthermore, the statute includes a provision that allows individuals to avoid conviction if they complete a pretrial diversion program, which includes education on safe sex practices and treatment for substance abuse. This demonstrates that Tennessee is not solely focused on punishment, but also on rehabilitation and prevention.
Public Safety vs. Radical Social Agenda
The Biden administration’s lawsuit against Tennessee raises questions about its priorities. Is it more concerned with promoting a radical social agenda, even if it compromises public safety? Tennessee’s statute is not an attack on individuals living with HIV, but rather a targeted effort to prevent the spread of the disease among a specific group engaging in high-risk behavior.
By attacking Tennessee’s statute, the Biden administration is sending a message that it values political correctness over the well-being of its citizens. This move undermines the authority of states to implement laws based on their unique circumstances and needs.
There is a fine balance between protecting civil rights and preserving public safety. However, the Biden administration’s prioritization of a radical social agenda seems to overshadow its commitment to justice and the protection of the American people.
The Need for Balanced Policies
It is crucial for the Biden administration to reevaluate its approach to addressing social issues. While it is important to uphold civil rights, it should not be at the expense of public safety and the well-being of communities.
The fight against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases requires a multi-faceted approach that includes prevention, education, and appropriate legal measures. States should have the autonomy to implement laws that address the unique challenges they face.
Rather than suing states for their efforts to protect public health, the Biden administration should focus on supporting initiatives that promote both justice and public safety. Collaboration between the federal government and states is crucial in finding effective solutions that balance civil rights and public health concerns.
Conclusion
The Biden administration’s lawsuit against Tennessee over its aggravated prostitution statute raises concerns about its prioritization of a radical social agenda over justice and public safety. By attacking targeted efforts to prevent the spread of diseases like HIV, the administration undermines the authority of states and compromises the well-being of its citizens.
It is imperative for the Biden administration to reconsider its approach and focus on balanced policies that prioritize both civil rights and public health. Collaboration and cooperation between the federal government and states are key in addressing social issues effectively while ensuring the safety of all Americans.
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